Your smile is often one of the first things that people will notice about you; not to mention that it’s what greets you every morning when you look into the bathroom mirror! You should always want it to not only be in great health but to look its absolute best – and dental discoloration can take its toll on your pearly whites and dull their shine. However, did you know that in some cases, this staining may not be the usual brown or yellow, but blueish/gray instead? Here’s more about what causes gray teeth and how your cosmetic dentist can help!
What Causes Teeth to Turn Gray?
While dark-colored foods and beverages are known to cause yellowish/brown staining, grayish or blue-tinted teeth usually are the result of other causes, including genetic conditions. Dentinogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic condition, can affect the structure and appearance of teeth, causing their enamel to appear blue-gray or to become more brittle.
Exposure to the common infection-fighting antibiotic tetracycline while in the womb or as a young child can also cause tooth discoloration. Affected teeth may develop blue-gray stains, often in the pattern of horizontal stripes. It’s also possible for dental restorations to give the appearance of gray or blue teeth; silver-colored metal amalgam fillings may appear blue-gray due to the metallic color showing. Luckily, these fillings can easily be replaced with tooth-colored ones. Trauma can also cause this discoloration; anything that cuts off blood flow to the tooth can result in it dying and turning gray.
Can Gray Teeth Be Whitened?
Your dentist will need to assess your teeth and medical history to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration. Remember, at the end of the day, dentists want to ensure optimal oral health before they turn their attention to cosmetic issues. After all, simply whitening a tooth that’s suffering from an underlying issue doesn’t make sense!
In any case, they can work with you to come up with a customized treatment plan that restores the health of your teeth while also ensuring that their appearance can be improved, and the staining can be resolved, often via whitening. When teeth whitening isn’t an option, solutions like veneers, tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and other options can be utilized.
Beyond that, it will be up to you to maintain your oral health so that your smile’s beauty isn’t diminished, and its health remains in tip-top shape.
About the Author
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Joseph Costa, our team has proudly served the dental needs of families in Worcester for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and many other services. If you or a loved one are ready to address gray teeth, rest assured that we can help! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a consultation, please visit us online or call us today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 709-6387.