Knowing your options for teeth whitening is important. Few people are naturally blessed with teeth that are truly white, which means getting white teeth may be impossible to achieve through good brushing and flossing habits alone. Many patients who struggle with tooth discoloration may notice that their teeth appear gray or even blue. This can be the result of a number of outside influences or natural causes. Here are a few reasons you might develop gray teeth, as well as the teeth whitening options you have at your disposal.
Causes of gray teeth
It is important to understand that the reasons that teeth might appear gray or blue are numerous, and no two individuals are completely alike. That said, there are a few underlying causes that can contribute to this condition. Here are three common factors that can lead to gray teeth:
1. Natural tooth color
Pigmentation and natural coloring vary among humans and this includes our teeth. Some individuals may simply be born with (or develop) gray teeth, and while this may not be ideal for many individuals, this is not generally a sign of significant health issues.
2. Antibiotics
Children exposed to certain antibiotics at a very early age may develop gray or blue teeth later in life as a result. If antibiotics are the cause of graying teeth, this graying may also be accompanied by striation/horizontal stripes on the surface of the teeth.
3. Dead teeth
While teeth may not be noticeably alive, the center of the tooth holds living pulp and tissue. If a tooth suffers trauma or infection, the pulp and surrounding nerves can decay and die. When a tooth dies, it will often turn grey, blue or even black. Some dead teeth may need to be completely replaced in order to avoid an abscess or to prevent an infection from occurring.
Teeth whitening options
Teeth whitening procedures often work better on yellow or orange teeth but can lighten and brighten the appearance of gray teeth. Your dentist may recommend at-home whitening treatments using strips or trays for less severe graying, or they may propose in-office procedures for more advanced discoloration. When considering options for traditional teeth whitening, your dentist will likely emphasize enamel-safe procedures, as gray teeth will often already have enamel decay, which can cause uneven whitening.
When a tooth has become so gray that traditional tooth whitening procedures will no longer make a difference, your dentist may recommend crowns or veneers to improve your smile. Crowns and veneers can be applied over the tooth, creating a new surface to cover and conceal your discolored teeth, as well as protect them from further damage. In these cases, the damaged enamel may be removed, and your teeth may be reshaped in order to properly apply the veneers. The option for dental veneers is especially good for patients looking for a permanent solution to tooth discoloration.
Let's get started
Request an appointment here: https://www.longgrovedental.com or call Long Grove Dental at (847) 636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…
Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers might be the answer for you. These thin, customized porcelain shells will fit over your existing teeth and even out their appearance.Over time, dental veneers have become more prevalent as a cosmetic dental choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain…
Many people can avoid the need for restorative dentistry through good oral hygiene. However, accidents happen. This review covers how a restorative dentist can help after a traumatic accident.Every dentist offers their own set of restorative dentistry procedures. Some of the more commonly offered treatments are tooth replacement, repair for damaged teeth, and periodontal treatment,…
Looking for an implant dentist? Experienced implant dentists have years of experience helping patients replace missing teeth. Many implant patients report feeling much better about their smile and overall self-esteem after treatment, and understanding the more notable benefits of dental implants can help you make a knowledgable decision about treatment.When visiting an experienced implant dentist,…