Many people are looking to achieve a gorgeous grin. A bright, white smile is often seen as a sign of healthy, beautiful teeth. Yellow or discolored teeth can make your smile appear unhealthy and affect its overall appearance. But what if your teeth are gray? Continue reading to discover several reasons that can lead to gray teeth and how your dentist can help correct them.
Cause #1: Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic tooth development disorder that can make both your baby and adult teeth appear blue or gray. Additionally, this condition can weaken your teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping or breaking.
Cause #2: Dental Restorations
Dental crowns, fillings, and other metal-based dental restorations can give your teeth a blue or gray appearance. This is more common with older restorations, as many modern dental treatments now use tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials.
Cause #3: Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic often used to treat skin infections and acne. According to the Journal of International Oral Health, individuals exposed to this medication in utero may develop tooth discoloration. This can manifest as bluish-gray or yellowish-brown horizontal stripes on the teeth.
Cause #4: Aging
Enamel is the protective outer layer of our teeth, which naturally wears down as we age. As the enamel thins, the underlying dentin, a naturally yellow part of the tooth beneath the enamel and cementum, becomes more visible. This can give your smile a grayish-blue or yellowish hue.
Cause #5: Dead Teeth
A diet high in sugar or poor oral hygiene can lead to cavity formation. If left untreated, a cavity can lead to a tooth infection. If this infection isn’t addressed quickly, the tooth may die. A dead tooth can change color over several years, making it difficult to identify the root cause.
4 Treatments for Gray Teeth
Fortunately, dentists offer several treatments to correct or conceal gray or discolored teeth, including:
- Porcelain veneers – Veneers, crafted from dental-grade porcelain, cover the front surface of a tooth to conceal discoloration and other flaws.
- Teeth whitening – Many dentists provide teeth whitening services to remove stains from your smile, brightening it by several shades.
- Dental crowns – Severely decayed teeth are often restored with dental crowns. These caps cover the entire visible part of a tooth and can also enhance its color.
- Dental bonding – This treatment utilizes a composite material to address the same issues as veneers, including discoloration.
While gray teeth can affect your smile’s appearance, there are multiple treatment options to consider. Book an appointment with your dentist to identify the cause and find the best solution for restoring your smile!
About the Practice
Devonshire Dental is committed to providing exceptional care. With a team of four experienced dentists, they create a welcoming atmosphere and offer personalized treatments to help patients maintain healthy smiles. If you’re concerned about discolored or gray teeth, their experts can identify the cause and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment or to learn more about Devonshire Dental’s services, you can visit their website or contact their office at (617) 350-7474.