As you age, there are certain things that you expect to change color, such as your hair. In fact, you may have a different hair color during childhood than you do during adulthood, and it could even change again to white or gray as you age. But while “going gray” is acceptable for hair and even considered a sign of wisdom and beauty, many people are less enthusiastic about it when it happens to their teeth! So, what causes your teeth to turn this color, and what can you do to fix it? Here’s how to get your teeth out of a gray area and back to their original white!
What Causes Gray Teeth?
When you think about discolored teeth, most people think of unsightly yellow or brown stains from smoking, coffee, or old age. But did you know that teeth can turn blueish or gray, too? While it’s not as common, these hues can appear and can be difficult to remove with brushing alone. That’s because unlike regular enamel stains, gray discoloration is often caused by stronger forces like medications. Here are a few common culprits:
- Aging: As you get older, your teeth can naturally take on a grayish hue.
- Tetracycline: Children under the age of eight years old who have taken this antibiotic are at higher risk of it discoloring their teeth; also, if your mother took it while pregnant, it could cause your teeth to be discolored when they develop.
- Dental Restorations: Metal crowns and silver fillings can sometimes cast a gray hue on your teeth.
- Root Canal Medications (emeclocycline hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide, calcium hydroxide) can sometimes cause the teeth to turn grayish brown.
- Trauma: If your tooth is injured and the blood supply is cut off in the process, it can die and turn gray without you even realizing it’s dead.
- Tooth Decay: Like tooth trauma, decay can cause blood flow issues that cause it to die as well.
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta: This rare genetic disorder causes the teeth to appear blue or gray and can make teeth brittle and easy to damage.
How Do I Treat Gray Teeth?
While professional teeth whitening treatments are best for teeth that have become yellow or brown over time, they can still sometimes help lighten them if they have gone gray. For more stubborn discoloration, other treatments such as veneers or dental bonding may be a better solution. Your dentist can help you determine the best way to remove stains and restore your teeth to their whitest and brightest, so schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today and soon you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile!
About Dr. Whitaker
Dr. Katherine Whitaker is proud to offer compassionate dental care with a personalized touch. If your teeth have discoloration or stains that make your teeth appear anything other than a healthy shade of white, she is happy to assist you in providing a variety of solutions to help restore them to their ideal shade.
To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call Corbin Family Dental Care at 606-523-1415.