One of the first things that people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if your teeth are discolored, you might not make a great first impression. Although frequent or prolonged exposure to darkly tinted foods can leave them looking more brown or yellow, it’s also possible for them to take on a gray or bluish hue.
If you’re frustrated by graying teeth, continue reading to learn 3 reasons this happens and how your dentist can provide various cosmetic services to help!
Cause #1: Genetics
Did you know that some people are inherently predisposed to dental discoloration? There’s a rare genetic condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta, which can impact the appearance of both primary and adult teeth. An estimated 200,000 people in the U.S. are affected by this disorder, which leaves pearly whites looking more transparent and blue-gray and weakens the enamel.
Although there’s no cure, your dentist can provide topical fluoride treatments to strengthen the protective outer layer of your teeth to resist decay, disease, and other types of damage.
Cause #2: Antibiotics
If you took certain antibiotics as a child, like Tetracycline, you may be more likely to have dental discoloration in your adult teeth. This medication has been known to affect how your enamel develops in your permanent pearly whites before they even arrive. Not only can this leave them looking off-white or gray, but it can also cause horizontal stripes or other noticeable patterns that can’t be brushed away.
Your dentist can work with you to find an appropriate cosmetic solution to brighten your grin. Teeth whitening treatments may not always be effective, but options like veneers or dental bonding can mask blemishes to boost your confidence.
Cause #3: Restorations
In today’s world, when you have a cavity or a broken tooth, your dentist can provide a tooth-colored filling or crown made of durable ceramic or resin to restore its functionality and appearance. However, that hasn’t always been the case. Amalgam restorations made from combinations of metallic materials were the norm for many decades. While these repairs are incredibly durable, they, unfortunately, can also make your teeth look gray.
Your tooth may seem to be one solid color to the naked eye, but it contains layers of varying tones. For example, your enamel is a translucent bluish-white that allows some of the yellow layer of dentin beneath it to show. This is why teeth naturally look more ivory-toned than pure white. As your enamel naturally thins over time, any silvery metal restorations in your teeth are more likely to shine through, too. Your dentist can replace outdated restorations with more contemporary materials to address it.
If you’re frustrated by mismatched teeth, contact your dentist today to schedule a cosmetic consultation!
About the Practice
At Waterford Dental Group, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts who work together to provide a full array of services at one convenient location. With general dentists, pediatric dentists, and various dedicated specialists on staff, there’s no problem too simple or complex for them to tackle. Their family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify areas of concern and provide accurate treatments to address them. If you’re concerned about a graying grin, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (925) 803-5888.