Have Your Teeth Started to Look Gray? Here’s What You Need to Know

A bright white smile is a goal for most people, but sometimes there are obstacles in the way. No matter how much they brush and floss, some people struggle with naturally gray teeth. Others may notice their teeth slowly turning gray over time.

In some cases, only one tooth goes gray. Keep reading to learn potential causes for this and dental treatments that can help.

What Are Some Potential Reasons I Have Gray Teeth?

There is an array of causes for gray teeth, some natural and some induced:

• Tetracycline: This antibiotic is the most probable cause if a child under eight years old develops gray teeth. Also, if the mother took it during pregnancy, it could affect the child’s teeth.
• Aging: Simply because of getting older, your teeth may turn grayish-blue.
• Dental Restorations: Materials like metal crowns and silver fillings used to restore teeth or fill cavities can sometimes cause discoloration.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This rare, hereditary disorder can make baby or permanent teeth appear blue-gray. It also weakens them and makes the teeth more prone to breakage.
• Root Canal Medications: The active ingredients in Ledermix, a paste used during the root canal process, can turn teeth grayish brown. Another root canal medication, Ultracal XS, has the same effect to a lesser degree.
• Tooth Trauma: If blood flow is cut off to a tooth, it can die and turn gray. It may also develop gray stains from trauma. This change could take months or years. Tooth decay can also cut off blood flow to cause the change in this manner.

What Are My Treatment Options for Gray Teeth?

Fortunately, there are several potential treatments for gray teeth. Some you can try on your own and others are possible with the help of your dentist in Southlake.

• Brush with whitening toothpaste
• Brush with baking soda or another natural tooth whitener
• Use a take-home whitening kit prepared by your dentist
• Try in-office professional teeth whitening
• Consider getting porcelain veneers

Certainly, some of these are simple changes to make and others are significant decisions. The best course of action is, once you identify that your teeth are turning gray, consult with your dentist to determine your most effective approach. It’s important for you to know that you don’t have to live with gray teeth, and you have different options to potentially be the solution!

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew has been working hard for patients in Southlake and surrounding communities for more than three decades now. He understands the importance of staying current in the evolving dental field, so he annually completes more than 100 hours of postgraduate courses. Among other professional memberships, he is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you have gray teeth, from a take-home whitening kit to porcelain veneers, Dr. Pettigrew has ways to help you. The best thing to do is to schedule a consultation so you can discuss the situation with him, and you can do so by visiting his website or calling (817) 481-4888.