Gray Matters: Finding Causes and Cures for Gray Teeth

Have you noticed one tooth looking grayer than the others lately? Or, perhaps all your teeth have taken on a grayish tint, leaving you trying to rub off the color in the mirror? Gray teeth have multiple causes, but the color isn’t something that will just go away. Cosmetic dentistry may be needed.

If you want to explore potential reasons for gray teeth and delve into dental treatments that can help restore a brighter, healthier smile, continue reading.

What Causes Gray Teeth?

There are multiple ways your teeth could have turned gray:

• Dental Restorations: Certain dental restorations, such as metal crowns and silver fillings, may cause tooth discoloration. Materials used in these procedures can sometimes be seen through the natural tooth enamel, giving it a gray or blue tone.
• Tetracycline Usage: If young children take the antibiotic Tetracycline, their teeth, not fully developed yet, may turn gray. Additionally, if mothers take Tetracycline during pregnancy, it can lead to gray teeth in their children.
• Aging: As a natural part of aging, teeth may change color. Sometimes, this can result in a grayish blue tinge.
• Tooth Trauma: Anything that interrupts blood flow to a tooth, such as trauma, can result in the tooth dying and turning gray. Gray stains from trauma may not appear immediately, and the change in color may take months or even years to become noticeable.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This rare hereditary disorder affects tooth development, causing primary and permanent teeth to appear blue-gray. Dentinogenesis imperfecta also weakens teeth, making them more susceptible to breakage.

What Can I do to Restore My Gray Teeth?

There are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures available that can help you regain the sparkling white teeth you desire. Here are some of the best options:

• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments can often clean stains and discoloration, restoring brightness to gray teeth affected by Tetracycline. However, it’s important to note that teeth whitening won’t always be effective against the condition.
• Dental Bonding: For cases of minor discoloration, dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected tooth, enhancing its appearance.
• Replacement Fillings: If your tooth discoloration is the result of silver fillings, your dentist can replace them with tooth-colored resin.
• Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. This offers an all-encompassing and long-lasting solution for gray teeth.
• Tooth Restoration: In cases of severe damage or internal discoloration, dental crowns or implants may be recommended to restore both function and aesthetics.

If you’re ready to recover your lost brightness, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dentist. The first step to a whiter smile is to have your teeth examined and your options laid out. After that, you and your dentist can work together to bring back your brilliant grin and your confidence.

About the Practice

At Sunrise Dental Center, you’ll find a great and passionate team of dental professionals waiting for you. They work together to ensure that all your treatment can be done under one roof. Whether you need teeth whitening or a root canal, you’ll find a friendly and knowledgeable expert to take charge of your care. Call (713) 869-9973 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to explore other services.