Just about everyone has a smile that isn’t as white as they’d like. The prominence of teeth whitening products speaks to the demand for procedures that help people make yellow teeth brighter.
However, some people can see their teeth turn not yellow, but gray. This speaks to something a little bit more complex than just surface stains on the teeth. Here are a few reasons why you could start to develop gray teeth, and what you can do about them.
What Are The Causes of Gray Teeth?
Part of the problem with graying teeth is that they can be the result of any number of factors. For example:
- Damage to the Tooth: Teeth can turn gray as a result of a lack of blood flow. This can occur when the tooth dies, which can happen when the tooth has been knocked out or damaged. Serious tooth decay can also cause this to occur.
- Medications: Certain medications can also turn teeth gray. Tetracycline is the most common—it can cause tooth discoloration in children under age 8. Some medications used in root canal therapy, like Ledermix, can also produce this effect.
- Aging: It’s common for teeth to change color to a grayish-blue naturally as you age.
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This is a rare genetic condition that affects the enamel, turning the teeth blue and making them brittle.
How to Deal With Gray Teeth
Professional teeth whitening is incredibly effective at melting away surface stains, which makes it great for the average person who is trying to reduce yellowing. However, as you may have gathered, gray teeth typically aren’t a consequence of these types of stains.
Instead, gray teeth are due to problems happening on the inside of the tooth. For that reason, professional teeth whitening isn’t going to be adept at dealing with them.
If you want to deal with gray teeth, you should ask your dentist about direct bonding or veneers. These cosmetic dental treatments can cover up problem teeth, eliminating the impact of graying on the smile.
About the Author
Dr. Shue Her has been in dentistry for over a decade, and he is enormously grateful for the many connections that he has been able to make with patients over the years. He finds that when he talks to his patients, he always finds something that they have in common! Dr. Her received his degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has constantly expanded his clinical knowledge since.
If you have any questions about gray teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (770) 536-6688.