When someone looks in the mirror and sees yellow stains on their teeth, they might be able to figure out a reason why it happened. Coffee and wine are among the culprits, but they and others can be improved with simple whitening. However, if you notice a gray tint, then you may have trouble finding the cause or what you can even do about it. Here’s what you need to know and ways to get an aesthetic smile.
Why Are My Teeth Looking Gray?
In short, some people’s gray teeth may happen naturally, but they can also gradually occur. It can be just one tooth or more, but these are a couple of culprits for this kind of tint.
- The tooth has died because of infection or trauma. It might’ve caused enough damage to the nerve and inner pulp, causing it to become a dark gray-blue color.
- Your metal restorations, like a crown or silver filling, had the material underneath become more visible.
- Exposed to tetracycline as a child or when in the womb. This is an antibiotic that often leaves a permanent gray tint that typically doesn’t respond to whitening very well.
- You have a hereditary tooth development disorder, dentinogenesis imperfecta, that makes your teeth blue-gray while making them weaker than normal.
What Can I Do to Fix Gray Teeth?
With that being said, you may end up feeling self-conscious about this type of flaw in your smile. Thankfully, your dentist is here to help you get the bright grin that you love. After you get a consultation, here are some choices that may be beneficial for you:
- Veneers are a popular option as they are thin, porcelain shells that bond to the front-facing portion of your teeth. These effectively cover a wide range of imperfections, from stains, chips, and minor gaps behind them.
- Professional teeth whitening is an effective and safe option that is better than anything found in stores. Whether you do it in-office or through a take-home kit, you can get results that are up to eight shades brighter. However, tetracycline-affected teeth may not be able to benefit from this option as the whitening can occur unevenly.
In the end, you deserve to feel confident in your smile! You can partner with your dentist to find out what would be the best option for you. That way, you get rid of this gray tint and get the brighter grin you love.
About the Author
Dr. Caleb Goodman earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University. He is dedicated to helping the Goodyear community get the aesthetic set of teeth they feel their best in with cosmetic dental treatments. By learning more about your goals, Dr. Goodman can help you achieve the results you love. You’ll even be able to preview your new look with state-of-the-art technology. If you have gray teeth you want fixed up, schedule an appointment or call his office (623) 925-8822.