Despite what many people are led to believe, most teeth aren’t actually white– they’re yellow, gray, or even blue-tinted! This can be the result of a variety of factors, from medications you take to poor oral hygiene habits. If you have gray teeth that are less-than-appealing, it could be due to an underlying problem that requires treatment or habits that you can break. Read on to learn about what causes dental discoloration and how you can reverse it.
Possible Causes of Gray Teeth
Gray teeth can be caused by a variety of factors and issues, including:
- Tetracycline. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can turn children’s teeth gray if they aren’t fully developed. It can also cause pregnant parents to develop gray teeth.
- Metal Restorations & Amalgam Fillings. Metal crowns, bridges, and fillings are known to cause teeth to gray and discolor over time. They can also cause a dark line to develop around the tooth.
- Root Canal Medications. Certain root canal medications, like Ledermix paste, has demeclocycline hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide in it that can cause teeth to look grayish-blue. Ultracal XC has a similar effect since it contains calcium hydroxide.
- Trauma. When a tooth has been severely affected by trauma, it can allow harmful oral bacteria to gain access to the inner chamber and roots, killing the tooth. As this happens, it will gradually discolor over the course of months or even years.
- Decay. Decay that’s left untreated can also cause a tooth to die and turn gray.
- Dentinogenisis Imperfecta. Dentinogenisis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that makes both baby and adult teeth appear blue or gray in color. It also makes them prone to breaking more easily.
- Aging. Aging is a natural effect that can cause teeth to appear yellow, gray, or blue.
How Are Gray Teeth Treated?
There’s no single treatment for gray teeth because they can be a result of a variety of causes, as mentioned above. However, once a tooth has become discolored, one of the best solutions to restore their bright appearance is through cosmetic dentistry.
These services include veneers or dental bonding that can conceal the gray color, metal-free restorations to keep teeth from becoming discolored with time, or professional teeth whitening that can remove deeply penetrated stains that make the teeth appear discolored.
The best way to learn what cosmetic service applies to your individual situation is to contact your cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. They can examine your teeth and let you know what treatment can help you achieve your smile goals.
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, our team is led by four highly skilled dentists with collective decades of experience. Together, they’re able to offer a wide range of treatments that can brighten, repair, and rejuvenate smiles that have been affected by damage, aging, and oral health problems. Some of these services include teeth whitening, metal-free restorations, and dental veneers. For questions or to schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call 254-727-7144.