{"id":464,"date":"2021-08-20T16:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flennikendental.com\/blog\/?p=464"},"modified":"2021-09-17T16:15:51","modified_gmt":"2021-09-17T16:15:51","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-gray-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flennikendental.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-gray-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Have Gray Teeth? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everyone wants a beautiful, sparkling white smile. Unfortunately, some people will never be able to achieve that natural brightness no matter how much they brush and floss. They might simply have naturally gray teeth, while others may notice their smile gradually turning gray over time. In some cases, only a single tooth will turn gray! Why does this happen? Read on to learn what causes gray teeth and how your dentist can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Gray Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several possible causes for gray teeth, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, smiles aren\u2019t supposed to be naturally white. Teeth come in a wide range of colors and shades, meaning a healthy grin doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be bright. Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a rare genetic condition that affects the tooth structure and appearance. It causes the enamel to appear blue-gray or yellow-brown and even makes teeth weaker than average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental Restorations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The materials used for fillings and crowns can also create the appearance of gray teeth. Dental amalgam (silver-colored fillings) and glass ionomer, acrylic, porcelain, and metal crowns can look blue-gray at the tooth\u2019s surface. It\u2019s the result of the metallic color showing through translucent enamel or a porcelain surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dead Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed that only one or two teeth have turned gray? It could be because the teeth have died. At the center of each tooth are living pulp and nerves, meaning trauma or infection can damage and kill them. If you think that\u2019s what caused your teeth to change color, contact your dentist right away for treatment. Time is of the essence, and they can save your tooth if with one or more procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tetracycline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This antibiotic is the most probable cause for children under eight years old, causing underdeveloped teeth to turn gray. It can also occur if the mother to tetracycline during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Your Dentist Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you unhappy with the color of your smile? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 here\u2019s what your dentist<\/a> can do to improve the appearance of gray teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n