Causes and Solutions to Gray Teeth

Everyone wants to have beautiful, white teeth. However, this simply isn’t the reality for many people. Discoloration exists in a wide variety of shades, from yellow anywhere to blue or even gray. There are numerous reasons why teeth can become gray over time, but it doesn’t always mean that you have to settle with them. Continue reading to learn about the different causes of gray teeth and how your dentist can help you improve the appearance of your smile.

Causes of Gray Teeth

Antibiotic Exposure

According to the Journal of International Oral Health, exposure to the infection fighting antibiotic, tetracycline, while in the womb or as a young child can cause the future adult teeth to become discolored. Teeth at are affected end up developing either blue-gray or yellow-brown stains, often in horizontal stripes.

Dental Restorations

If you have an amalgam filling, metal crown, or another restoration in your mouth, this can cause your teeth to be on the blueish or gray side. This is most common with older dental restorations.

Dead Teeth

If you notice that just one or a few teeth turn blue or gray, this could indicate that the teeth have died. This can be caused by any issue that cuts off blood flow to the tooth. Trauma to the tooth may not result in a change of color for several years, so a lot of the time, people don’t even realize what causes the discoloration.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

This rare, hereditary disorder of tooth development can make primary and permanent teeth appear blue or gray. This condition also weakens the teeth, making them more prone to damage.

Aging

Your teeth will become discolored over time as you age. This can cause them to appear more yellow or grayish-blue as time goes on.

How Can Gray Teeth Be Treated?

To correct discoloration, your dentist may recommend one of the following:

• Professional Teeth Whitening: If you are dealing with surface discoloration, professional teeth whitening might be able to lift the stains.
• Dental Veneers: These are semi-permanent shells of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to cover up even the most noticeable imperfections.
• New Restorations: If your gray teeth are caused by old restorations, your dentist may be able to replace them with tooth-colored ones.

Discoloration is common, but you don’t need to endure it for the rest of your life. Talk to your dentist to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you!

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar earned his dental doctorate from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry and has worked in a variety of dental settings, including the corporate world, a non-profit public health clinic, and private dental offices. If you have one or more gray teeth, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Denton, visit his website or call (940) 566-5332.