One of the first things that people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s natural to want to make a positive impression. However, if your teeth aren’t bright white, you might worry about being judged for your looks.
Many people already know that consuming darkly pigmented foods, like coffee, tea, or wine, can tint your grin. But if your teeth look more gray or blue, it’s natural to wonder what caused the discoloration and how to treat it. Continue reading to learn more about why it happens and how your dentist can help improve your appearance!
What Causes Gray Teeth?
If your grin looks more smoky than pearly white, you probably have questions about how they got that way and what to do about. There are several potential causes, including:
- Medications. Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, are known to impact the enamel development in children, especially if they’re younger than 8 years old. It’s known to cause permanent discoloration because it binds to calcium ions and is incorporated into the tooth.
- Outdated restorations. Historically, repairs like dental fillings and crowns were made with amalgam metal materials that are silver or gray. As your enamel thins over time, more of this material shines through, making your grin appear darker.
- Trauma. Anything that cuts off the blood flow to the roots of your teeth can kill the nerves there, causing them to die inside and turn gray, which can happen months or even years after the initial event.
- Tooth decay. Cavities can also cause enough damage to hinder the blood flow to your chompers.
- Aging. As the bright white outer layer of your teeth thins through daily use over time, they may appear to change shades.
How Are Gray Teeth Treated?
You’ll need your dentist’s help to accurately determine the underlying cause of your dental discoloration. Then, they’ll work with you to devise a treatment plan based on their findings and your unique circumstances.
Some surface stains respond well to topical treatments, like teeth whitening. However, if your provider finds that it’s caused by medications, genetics, or some other factor, they might suggest a different solution. Often, cosmetics like veneers or dental bonding are used to brighten patients’ smiles instead.
However, if your dentist finds that your tooth looks dimmer due to pulp necrosis, they might provide a root canal treatment to remove the infected materials to keep the disease from spreading. Then, they’ll likely provide a customized dental crown to restore its appearance and functionality.
Regardless of the reason for your tinted teeth, your provider can provide services to boost your confidence and improve your daily quality of life!
Meet the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has more than 40 years of experience helping families near Stephens City build and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. He earned his dental doctorate at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and regularly participates in continuing education to be able to offer the most up-to-date treatments. Then, he utilizes advanced technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want to reduce the appearance of dental stains, you can request an appointment on the website or call (540) 869-4377.