Everyone wants to show off a bright, white smile. However, discoloration is one of the most common reasons why people are unhappy with their grin. You might even notice less familiar shades in your smile. Instead of white or yellow, teeth can appear blue or even gray. There are various reasons why this can happen, but there are also several possible solutions. Read on to learn about some of the causes of gray teeth and what your dentist can do.
What Causes Gray Teeth?
- 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 Restoration: If you have amalgam fillings, metal crowns, or other restorations, this could cause your teeth to appear bluish or gray. This is more common with older dental restorations, but they can usually be replaced by a dentist to have a more natural, white appearance.
- Dead Teeth: If it is just one or a couple of teeth that have turned 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 of color for several years, so many people don’t realize the correlation.
- Aging: Your teeth become discolored overtime simply due to aging. This can cause them to appear more yellow or gray blue.
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This is a rare, hereditary disorder of tooth development that can make primary and permanent teeth appear blue or gray. This condition also weakens the teeth, making them more prone to damage.
How Do Dentists Address Gray Teeth?
Here are some of the most common cosmetic 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 be the answer.
- New Restorations: If your gray teeth are due to old restorations, your dentist may be able to replace them with tooth-colored ones.
Discoloration is very common, but there are solutions that can help. By working with your dentist, you can determine the cause of your gray teeth and discuss which treatment plan would work for you.
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Long Island City area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (718) 280-3286.