Tooth stains and discoloration can be extremely embarrassing, especially when they turn a shade that looks a bit out of place. While it’s not uncommon for them to take on a brown or yellowish tint, when they turn gray or even blueish, it can make insecurities worse. Here’s a closer look at what could be causing that unusual hue, and how some popular cosmetic dentistry treatments could fix it!
Naturally Tinted
While most teeth appear naturally white, it is possible for them to develop in other colors like yellow, brown, or even blue or gray. This can occur because of an extremely rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta, which is an enamel defect caused by a genetic mutation.
Dead Teeth
If your tooth’s inner nerves die, the tooth itself can turn colors such as blue, gray, pink or even black. If left untreated, it may even form an infection or abscess, so it is important to be evaluated by a dentist if you notice this type of discoloration in just one or two teeth. A root canal may be able to preserve the tooth and could also help improve the shade. If not, your dentist can help you correct the color once your smile is healthy again.
Early Exposure to Antibiotics
If you were exposed to the antibiotic tetracycline while in the womb or as a young child, it is possible for your adult teeth to develop with blue-gray or yellowish-brown stains, sometimes with horizontal stripes.
Dental Restorations
Although they may not actually be discoloring the tooth itself, amalgam metal restorations can sometimes be visible through the enamel and cast a blue or gray hue. This can be easily remedied by switching your restoration to a metal-free option such as a composite resin “tooth colored” filling.
Whitening Gray or Blue Teeth
Although the exact treatment will depend on the type and severity of the stains, often treatments like professional teeth whitening can help restore the hue of a tooth that is blue or gray. However, because many of the causes of discoloration do not directly affect the enamel, you may have better luck treating teeth with a porcelain veneers, Lumineers, or even dental bonding. A consultation with your dentist can help assess the tooth or teeth in question and formulate a treatment plan to remove the unsightly tint and give you the lustrous pearly whites you desire.
Remember, there are many reasons teeth may take on a blue or gray hue, but chances are no matter what the cause, your dentist has a cosmetic dentistry treatment to correct it. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation today.
About Dr. Kaopua
Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his undergraduate degree at BYU Hawaii and his dental doctorate at Oregon Health & Sciences University and has since taken extensive continuing education courses in a variety of topics like sleep apnea, BOTOX, dental implant placement, Invisalign, Lumineers, soft tissue laser treatment, and more. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Albright Family Dentistry 425-267-3333.