Healthy teeth are normally a pearly color, maybe with a slight tinge of yellow. However, what do you do when your teeth turn grey? Now, that can be quite scary! A grey tooth is an indicator of underlying dental health issues.
You must understand the reasons behind this striking change of color to get suitable treatment. In this blog, let’s learn all the reasons why your teeth turn grey and how they can be treated.
Common Reasons Why Teeth Turn Grey or Blue
A grey tooth is not normal. It is usually an indication of something wrong with your tooth. So, let’s get into the possible reasons why your teeth are turning grey or blue.
- Tooth Trauma
If your tooth has suffered an internal injury, it could lead to cut-off blood flow internally. This can manifest by giving a grey tinge to your tooth. However, a tooth may not show any signs of damage for months before changing color due to internal damage. - Root Canal Medications
Certain medications used during a root canal procedure can change the tooth into a dull grey or brown shade. - Aging
Teeth change over time due to wear and tear. Older people might have teeth with a dull, greyish hue simply because of aging. - Dead Tooth
A severely decayed tooth might turn grey as the blood supply cuts off, so a grey tooth can indicate a dead tooth. - Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
This hereditary condition can cause permanent teeth to appear blue or grey. It also leads to vulnerable teeth that are fragile and break easily. It’s a rare genetic disorder, as it can happen to one in 6,000 or one in 8,000 people. - Tetracycline Antibiotics Exposure
In some cases, exposure to tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent discoloration. This can occur during childhood or pregnancy and results in tough stains that are difficult to remove.
How Can Grey Teeth Be Treated?
The treatment for grey teeth depends on the underlying issue affecting the tooth, so your treatment might vary according to the cause. The first step in treating a grey tooth is a professional dental assessment.
A dental professional can examine your tooth by taking thorough X-rays, which can reveal if it is dead or affected by other conditions. A dead or dying tooth might require a root canal to remove decayed tissue and avoid infection.
If your staining is just surface-level or mild, professional whitening treatment can help. You may also be recommended effective ways to whiten your teeth and remove the blue stains. Finally, other restoration methods like dental crowns or veneers may be used if whitening is not an option.
Takeaway
A grey tooth should not be ignored as it indicates underlying causes that usually require immediate professional help. If you have a grey tooth, remember that early intervention can potentially save your tooth.
So, don’t delay your appointment with a dental expert like the ones at Smile4Ever Dentistry. We can diagnose and treat the underlying causes of your grey tooth. Dial (281) 213-5668 or (832) 844-2266 for an appointment.