Knowing your options for teeth whitening is important. Few people are naturally blessed with teeth that are truly white, which means getting white teeth may be impossible to achieve through good brushing and flossing habits alone. Many patients who struggle with tooth discoloration may notice that their teeth appear gray or even blue. This can be the result of a number of outside influences or natural causes. Here are a few reasons you might develop gray teeth, as well as the teeth whitening options you have at your disposal.
It is important to understand that the reasons that teeth might appear gray or blue are numerous, and no two individuals are completely alike. That said, there are a few underlying causes that can contribute to this condition. Here are three common factors that can lead to gray teeth:
Pigmentation and natural coloring vary among humans and this includes our teeth. Some individuals may simply be born with (or develop) gray teeth, and while this may not be ideal for many individuals, this is not generally a sign of significant health issues.
Children exposed to certain antibiotics at a very early age may develop gray or blue teeth later in life as a result. If antibiotics are the cause of graying teeth, this graying may also be accompanied by striation/horizontal stripes on the surface of the teeth.
While teeth may not be noticeably alive, the center of the tooth holds living pulp and tissue. If a tooth suffers trauma or infection, the pulp and surrounding nerves can decay and die. When a tooth dies, it will often turn grey, blue or even black. Some dead teeth may need to be completely replaced in order to avoid an abscess or to prevent an infection from occurring.
Teeth whitening procedures often work better on yellow or orange teeth but can lighten and brighten the appearance of gray teeth. Your dentist may recommend at-home whitening treatments using strips or trays for less severe graying, or they may propose in-office procedures for more advanced discoloration. When considering options for traditional teeth whitening, your dentist will likely emphasize enamel-safe procedures, as gray teeth will often already have enamel decay, which can cause uneven whitening.
When a tooth has become so gray that traditional tooth whitening procedures will no longer make a difference, your dentist may recommend crowns or veneers to improve your smile. Crowns and veneers can be applied over the tooth, creating a new surface to cover and conceal your discolored teeth, as well as protect them from further damage. In these cases, the damaged enamel may be removed, and your teeth may be reshaped in order to properly apply the veneers. The option for dental veneers is especially good for patients looking for a permanent solution to tooth discoloration.
Request an appointment here: http://www.desalvodental.com or call DeSalvo Dental at (201) 244-7658 for an appointment in our Englewood office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The ideal shade of white targeted during teeth whitening treatments is a few shades lighter than the white of the patient’s eyes. Whitening treatments can make teeth whiter than that, but the results typically would not look natural compared to the rest of the patient’s physical features. Teeth whitening treatments aim to get the patient…
It is helpful to have an in-depth understanding of teeth whitening before starting treatment. In general, teeth whitening performed in-office is a safe procedure with few risks, and knowing more about the process and what to expect can help you mentally and physically prepare for the procedure. There are certain questions that general dentists receive regularly.…
The most popular teeth whitening alternatives are dental bonding and dental veneers. Dental fillings may be recommended as well for patients that have eroded enamel. It is helpful to understand all available cosmetic treatment options to determine the best way to improve your smile long-term. Some patients may not be eligible for teeth whitening due to…
Wondering why dental patients are choosing professional teeth whitening in-office services? Having a dental professional make all the decisions allows for a safe whitening procedure that offers immediate and long-lasting results.Choosing to undergo professional teeth whitening services means patients will be under the supervision of a dental professional. This means there is no need for…
It's safe to say that you may have a dental filling if you are reading this. Having a cavity filled is one of the top reasons a patient goes to the dentist. A filling is necessary once the tooth enamel begins to break down. A filling will stop the cavity from spreading or getting any…
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures that support teeth. They provide a wide range of treatments, from restorative treatments for periodontal disease to cosmetic treatments aimed at improving the aesthetics of a person’s smile.Here are a few of the popular treatments used in periodontics to address…