Having a bright, white smile is often considered to be the mark of a healthy, beautiful beam. If your teeth are yellow and discolored, this can cause your teeth to look unhealthy and may ruin the overall look of your pearly whites. But what does it mean if your teeth are gray? Read on to learn about a few things that can cause gray teeth and how your dentist can correct them.
Cause #1: Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
This is a rare hereditary tooth development disorder. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta may cause both your primary and permanent teeth to turn blue or gray. This condition may also cause your teeth to be weaker than average, which will make them more likely to become chipped or broken.
Cause #2: Dental Restorations
Dental crowns, fillings, and other dental restorations that are made from metal may cause your teeth to look blue or gray. Many modern dental restorations are made using tooth-colored porcelain or composite material, so this is more of an issue for older restorations.
Cause #3: Tetracycline
Tetracycline is a type of medication that can be used to treat skin infections and acne. The Journal of International Oral Health stated that adults who were exposed to this medicine as a fetus may have discolored teeth. This discoloration will appear as bluish-gray or yellowish-brown horizontal stripes.
Cause #4: Aging
Enamel is the protective outer layer of a tooth. It naturally begins to wear away as we get older. This allows the dentin, which is the naturally yellow part of the tooth beneath the enamel and cementum, to show through. This may make your smile look a grayish-blue or yellow color.
Cause #5: Dead Teeth
A diet that’s high in sugar or not maintaining good oral hygiene can cause cavities to form. If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth may eventually become infected. If an infected tooth isn’t promptly treated, this can cause the tooth to die. A dead tooth may take several years to change color, which can make it hard to determine the cause.
4 Treatments for Gray Teeth
Fortunately, there are a few different treatments dentists offer than can correct or coverup gray or otherwise discolored teeth, such as:
- Porcelain veneers – Veneers are made from dental-grade porcelain and cover the entire front surface of a tooth to cover up discoloration and other imperfections.
- Teeth whitening – Many dentists offer teeth whitening services that lift stains from your smile and improve the look of it by several shades.
- Dental crowns – Teeth that are severely decayed are often repaired using dental crowns. These tooth-shaped caps encircle the entire visible part of a tooth and can also improve its color.
- Dental bonding – This treatment uses a composite material to cover all the same issues as veneers, including discoloration.
Though gray teeth can ruin the looks of your smile, there are several treatment options available. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so you can determine what the issue is and get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester is led by Dr. Robert C. Fromuth and Dr. Stephen L. Langlois. They treat patients who live in the Manchester area with a variety of effective treatments. If your smile is discolored and you’re looking for a solution to gray teeth, they can determine what’s causing it in the first place and help you determine what treatment option is best for you. Visit their website or call their office at (603) 644-3368 to make an appointment or for more information on their services.