Many people put a lot of effort into their smiles—a dazzling set of pearly whites is an attractive feature that does a lot to enhance your confidence! But sometimes your teeth can lose their radiance and become an unfamiliar shade of yellow, brown, or even grayish blue; how does this happen? There are many causes for tooth discoloration, and gray/blue color is caused by a few specific things. Keep reading to learn more about what causes your teeth to turn gray and some things your dentist says you can do about it.
What Causes Teeth to Turn Gray?
There are many possible causes for gray teeth, including:
- Tetracycline – This is an antibiotic that can turn developing children’s teeth gray.
- Dental restorations – Sometimes the materials used to fill in cavities or restore teeth can cause discoloration.
- Root canal medications – Medications, such as Ledermix and Ultracal XS, that are used during the root canal process can cause your teeth to turn grayish brown.
- Tooth trauma – When blood flow to a tooth is cutoff, the tooth can die and turn gray. Gray stains can also develop from trauma, sometimes months or years after the injury.
- Tooth decay – This can cut off the tooth’s blood flow and cause the tooth to die and turn gray.
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta – This rare, hereditary disorder can make your baby and permanent teeth appear blue gray, in addition to making them much more fragile.
- Aging – Sometimes simply becoming older can cause your teeth to turn gray.
What Should I Do About My Gray Teeth?
Your dentist can assist you in determining what’s causing grayness in your teeth—depending on the cause, there are some possible options for treatment.
Whitening treatments usually work best on yellow, not gray, teeth—but you still might find some success with things like whitening strip kits, whitening toothpastes, and natural tooth whiteners like baking soda. At-home or in-office whitening treatments provided by your dentist are typically much more effective.
Dental veneers are another viable option, as the thin coverings can nicely hide any visible discoloration. Crowns can be used for a similar effect. However, regardless of what treatment method you receive, maintaining good oral health will ensure that your teeth do not become further stained or gray.
If you have teeth that appear gray, you should contact your dentist to discuss possible causes and treatment options. You shouldn’t have to go through life with a dull, gray smile—solutions exist that can restore your smile to a beautiful state!
About the Practice
The team at Windermere Dentistry goes above and beyond to provide every patient with a comfortable and personalized experience. The practice is led by Dr. Matthew McKissock and Dr. Rupal Thakkar, who both have several years of experience in a wide variety of fields. They’re proud to offer many available services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, the practice can be reached through their website or by phone: (407) 909-1099.
