A white smile is associated with good oral health, so when teeth turn gray, you might be alarmed. Whether it’s one tooth standing out or a general gray discoloration across your smile, understanding the causes behind gray teeth is the first step toward finding a solution—usually teeth whitening treatments.
If you want to learn why teeth turn gray and delve into the dental treatments that can restore their shine, continue reading.
Why Do Teeth Turn Gray?
There are many reasons your teeth might have turned gray:
1. Trauma or Injury
One common cause of gray teeth is trauma or injury to a tooth. Internal bleeding or damage to the tooth’s pulp—the middle chamber of your tooth, can result in discoloration over time.
2. Medication Effects
Certain medications, especially tetracycline antibiotics, can cause tooth discoloration. This often leaves teeth with a grayish tint. This can even affect children in the womb if a mother takes these antibiotics.
3. Tooth Decay
Advanced tooth decay can cause grayish discoloration, signaling potential damage to the tooth structure. The decay can easily cut off the blood supply to the tooth, killing it and turning it gray.
4. Genetic Factors
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a rare genetic disorder that causes weak, translucent teeth. This can be a cause of the gray hue in some patients.
5. Aging
As you age, your teeth naturally undergo color changes. Grayish tones may become more noticeable over time.
How Can I Restore My Gray Teeth?
The best way to restore your teeth to their former glory and get a nice, bright smile is teeth whitening. Professional treatments use concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate deep into the tooth enamel. This can effectively address all kinds of discoloration, even gray teeth.
By identifying the root cause of your grayed-out smile and consulting with your dentist, they can make a personalized treatment plan to restore your pearly whites. Through good dentistry and professional teeth whitening, the path to a brighter, more confident smile is within reach.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Esparza is a brilliant and friendly dentist who is also a veteran. She knows the power of dedication and service when it comes to patient care. Dr. Esparza received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore and has continued to provide excellent dental care for her patients ever since. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Esparza Family Dentistry, call (757) 499-4707 or visit the website to learn more about the services they provide.