Most people wish they could show off a beautiful, white smile. However, some may be struggling with dental discoloration that goes much further than a simple yellow hue. If you’ve noticed a darker shade in your smile or have gray teeth, it may be due to several reasons that will require treatment from your dentist. Keep reading to learn what can cause this condition and how you can enhance your pearly whites!
What Causes Gray Teeth?
While it’s natural for our teeth to become dimmer over years of use, gray teeth can be an indication of other underlying issues. Here are several common causes of this condition:
- Aging: Similar to your skin and joints, your teeth will gradually wear down and become discolored as you get older. They may result in a more yellow or grayish-blue appearance in your smile over time.
- Dead teeth: If you find that one or several of your teeth have turned blue or gray, then it might mean that they’ve died. This can be due to a lack of circulation of blood flow into the inner layers. Unfortunately, if the issue was caused by trauma to the tooth, you may not notice a change in color until several years later.
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta: This is a rare hereditary disorder that can result in bluish or grayish teeth developing. If you have this condition, your pearly whites may also be weaker and more susceptible to damage.
- Dental restorations: Your teeth can appear more on the blue or gray side if you have amalgam fillings or metal crowns. This can especially happen if you have older dental restorations.
- Antibiotic exposure: Being exposed to tetracycline—an infection-fighting antibiotic—while in the womb or as a child can result in your permanent teeth becoming discolored. The condition can often cause you to have blue-gray or yellow-brown horizontal stripes on your smile.
How Can I Treat Gray Teeth?
If you want to address dental discoloration, you should consider the following treatments:
- Teeth whitening – Should you have surface stains or discoloration, undergoing professional in-office or at-home teeth whitening can lift them right off your smile.
- Veneers – These super thin porcelain shells can effectively conceal multiple dental flaws simultaneously. They can also provide a virtually permanent whitening solution for your teeth.
- Metal-free restorations – Not only can you get new restorations, but you can opt for a metal-free option that’ll help create a more natural tooth-colored result.
Even if you’re struggling with gray teeth, there are plenty of ways to address the issue. Speak with your dentist about your cosmetic dental treatment options, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying a healthier and brighter smile!
About the Author
Dr. Alan Rauchberg earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has nearly three decades of experience under his belt. He’s also a member of several groups like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, and he regularly seeks countless hours of continuing education to refine his skills. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and tooth-colored restorations. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 973-718-9887.