We all dream of having beautiful, pearly white teeth that sparkle. Unfortunately, this has yet to become a reality for many of us. You may even see some unfamiliar shades of discoloration. Instead of a yellow tint, teeth can also become a gray or blue color. There are several reasons why this can occur, but it doesn’t mean that you have to settle for them. Here are some of the causes of gray teeth and how your dentist can help.
Causes of Gray Teeth
Antibiotic Exposure
The Journal of International Oral Health reports that exposure to a 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.
Dental Restorations
If you have an amalgam filling, metal crown, or another restoration, this could cause your teeth to appear blueish or gray. This is more common with older dental restorations and can usually be replaced by a dentist to have a more natural, white appearance.
Dead Teeth
If just one or a couple 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 many years, so a lot of the time, people don’t even realize what caused the discoloration.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
This is a rare, hereditary disorder of tooth development that can make baby and permanent teeth appear blue or gray. This condition also weakens the teeth, making them more prone to damage.
Aging
Your teeth become discolored over time simply due to aging. This can cause them to appear more yellow or grayish-blue.
Treatments for Gray Teeth
Whitening treatments tend to work better on teeth that have yellow discoloration. Your dentist may opt for one of the following:
- Professional teeth whitening: If you have surface discoloration, professional teeth whitening may do the trick.
- Dental veneers: These are semi-permanent 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 a common issue, but you don’t need to show off gray teeth for the rest of your life. By seeing your dentist, you can get to the root of the problem and come up with a treatment plan that is right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Reza Jafari earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you have gray teeth, he would be happy to take a look and help you out. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Phoenix, visit his website or call (602) 404-3483.