There is no disputing the power of a bright, beautiful smile. As a matter of fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of people think a nice smile makes others more attractive. When asked what they first noticed about a person’s teeth, one of the top factors was their color. However, not everyone naturally has “pearly” whites. Unfortunately, some people even have gray teeth. Read on to learn the causes of these unusually colored teeth and how your dentist can help brighten your smile!
What Causes Gray Teeth?
The following are common reasons for gray teeth:
Genetics
For some people, no matter how consistent they are with their dental hygiene habits, they have a discolored smile. This can sometimes be attributed to genetics. Your family history can largely determine your tooth structure and color. For example, dentinogenesis imperfecta is a rare genetic condition that makes tooth enamel appear blue-gray or yellow-brown. It can even make the teeth weaker than normal.
Dead Teeth
If a tooth has slowly turned gray over time, it may be because it has died. In the center of your pearly whites live dental pulp and nerves. If your tooth experiences any trauma or damage, it can cause those inner structures to no longer be alive, resulting in the tooth becoming dark in color.
Tetracycline
The antibiotic Tetracycline can cause underdeveloped teeth to turn gray. While most commonly affecting children under eight years old, it can also occur if the mother took the medicine during pregnancy.
How Can Your Cosmetic Dentist Help?
If you are tired of a dim smile, there’s good news! Your cosmetic dentist can help with the following treatments:
- Professional Teeth Whitening –While most effective for yellowed teeth, it can still improve the appearance of gray teeth. The results will depend on the extent of the underlying cause and how deep the shade of discoloration is.
- Porcelain Veneers – If your smile has become a deep gray, veneers may be the best treatment for a smile transformation. These ultra-thin shells of dental-grade porcelain can mask a range of dental imperfections by being adhered to the front surfaces of teeth.
If your smile is not as bright as you’d like due to gray teeth, you have options to transform it into a brighter one. With the help of your dentist, you can achieve the pearly whites you’ve always wanted!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard has been keeping smiles healthy and bright for over 35 years. He was the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an achievement only 466 dentists in the world have achieved! By offering cosmetic dental services such as veneers and professional teeth whitening, he can help you achieve your dream smile. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (760) 599-6559.