Has Your Child’s Tooth Started to Turn Dark? | Griffith Pediatric Dentistry – Los Feliz, Los Angeles

Seeing a dark tooth in your child’s smile can be alarming, but it’s actually a fairly common issue among children. A tooth may darken for several reasons—ranging from minor injury to deeper dental concerns. Understanding the causes and getting timely treatment from a pediatric dentist can help protect your child’s oral health and keep their smile bright.

At Griffith Pediatric Dentistry in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, we specialize in identifying and treating tooth discoloration in children with care, precision, and compassion.

Common Causes of a Dark Tooth in Children

1. Tooth Decay and Cavities

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons a child’s tooth may turn dark. As decay progresses, it damages the enamel and can spread deeper into the dentin and pulp, causing the tooth to appear brown, gray, or black.

If left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, or even tooth loss. If you notice a dark spot or discoloration on your child’s tooth, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Los Feliz as soon as possible. Early intervention allows your child’s dentist to treat the tooth with a filling, crown, or pulpotomy (baby root canal), restoring its health and appearance.

2. Dental Trauma or Injury

A tooth injury is another common cause of discoloration. If your child falls or suffers a blow to the mouth, the tooth’s internal blood vessels may rupture, leading to internal bleeding and a grayish or dark hue.

In many cases, the discoloration appears days or weeks after the injury. If your child has sustained dental trauma, it’s important to see a children’s dentist right away. After an examination, the dentist will determine whether the tooth can heal on its own or if treatment such as a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.

3. Pulpitis or Pulp Necrosis

When the soft inner tissue of a tooth—the pulp—becomes inflamed or dies, it’s known as pulpitis or pulp necrosis. This condition can result from untreated cavities, repeated trauma, or deep infections.

A darkened tooth caused by pulp damage often requires professional dental treatment. Your Los Feliz pediatric dentist may recommend a pulp therapy or root canal treatment to remove the damaged tissue, disinfect the tooth, and seal it. A dental crown may also be used to restore strength and natural color to the affected tooth.

4. Medications and Genetic Factors

Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause permanent tooth discoloration if taken during early childhood when teeth are still developing.

Additionally, genetics can influence tooth color. Some children naturally have slightly darker or more yellow-toned teeth. While this is harmless, your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles can recommend safe cosmetic treatments or professional cleanings to brighten your child’s smile if desired.

When to See a Pediatric Dentist in Los Feliz

Any time you notice a dark, gray, or discolored tooth in your child’s mouth, it’s important to get it checked by a professional. Even if your child isn’t in pain, discoloration could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.

At Griffith Pediatric Dentistry, our team provides gentle and effective care for all stages of your child’s dental health. We’ll carefully assess the cause of discoloration and recommend the most appropriate treatment to restore your child’s healthy smile.

📞 Call us today at (323) 301-7125 to schedule your child’s dental evaluation with one of our friendly pediatric dentists in Los Feliz, Los Angeles.