Everyone wants to show off a bright, white smile. However, discoloration is a common insecurity that patients experience. Have you noticed less familiar shades in your smile? Instead of white or yellow, teeth can appear bluish or grayish. There are many reasons why this can occur. Continue reading to learn about some of the common causes of gray teeth and how they can be addressed.
What Are the Causes of Gray Teeth?
- Exposure to Antibiotics: The Journal of International Oral Health reports that exposure to the common infection-fighting antibiotic, tetracycline, while in the womb or as a young child can cause discoloration in the future adult teeth. Teeth that are affected develop blue-gray or yellow-brown stains, often in horizontal stripes.
- Old Dental Restorations: If you have an amalgam filling, metal crown, or another restoration, this can cause your tooth to appear bluish or gray. This is more common with older restorations, but they can usually be replaced by a dentist to have a more natural appearance.
- Death of the Tooth: If one or a couple of teeth turn blue or gray, this could mean that the teeth have died. This can be caused by anything that cuts off blood flow to the tooth. Trauma to the tooth may not result in a change in color for some time, so many people don’t even realize that this is the cause.
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This is a rare, hereditary disorder of tooth development that can make primary and permanent teeth look blue or gray. This condition also weakens the teeth, making them more prone to damage.
- Aging: Your teeth become discolored over time due to aging. This can make them look yellow or even gray.
How Can Gray Teeth Be Treated?
Here are some possible treatment options for gray teeth.
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Whitening treatments tend to work best on yellow discoloration, but depending on your situation, it may work for gray tints as well. If you have surface discoloration, professional teeth whitening may do the trick.
- Veneers: These are shells of porcelain placed over the front surface of the teeth to cover up imperfections.
- New Restorations: If your gray teeth are a result of old restorations, your dentist may be able to replace them with tooth-colored ones.
Discoloration is common, but there are solutions out there! By working with your dentist, you can create a plan that is ideal to meet your needs.
About the Practice
At Woodshore Family Dentistry, Dr. Desai and Dr. Vishal Pattni work together to treat patients in the Clute community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are unhappy with the current shade of your smile, we would be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (979) 341-9890.