TEETH WHITENING

What Causes and How to Treat Grey Stains on Teeth?

Share

Have you noticed a grey spot on your tooth recently? Teeth discolouration is never a good sign, especially if it is grey in colour. While some people can have naturally grey teeth, others can develop them at any age for a number of reasons. Before you start panicking let us discuss everything you need to know about the grey stains on your teeth.

What are the signs of grey teeth?

It is important to notice the signs of a grey tooth discolouration early on, as it can be a signal that the tooth is dying. A dying tooth can also put other teeth at risk because the bacteria contained inside it can spread. So, notice the tell-tale signs of grey tooth discolouration early on. You should visit your dentist if you see one or more teeth discoloured or stained, have sensitivity or pain in one or more teeth, and if your gums are tender, swollen, or bleeding.

What causes grey teeth?

There are a number of causes for grey teeth. Here are some possible factors you should look out for:

  • Teeth Trauma: Any kind of trauma to the teeth, which cuts the blood flow, can result in the teeth dying and turning grey. However, you may not always realise what caused grey stains on teeth because discolouration due to trauma may not result in colour change for months or even years.

  • Dental Restorations: Sometimes, the materials like silver fillings and metal crowns that are used to restore teeth or fill cavities, can also cause grey tooth discolouration.

  • Root Canal Medicines: Active ingredients used in root canal medications such as demeclocycline hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide found in ledermix paste, can turn your teeth greyish brown.

  • Tetracycline: This is an antibiotic that can lead to grey teeth, especially in children under the age of eight. This antibiotic can also affect a child’s teeth and turn it grey if the mother took it during her pregnancy.

  • Ageing: The teeth can also change colour and start to look greyish-blue as you grow older. It’s a natural part of the ageing process.

  • Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This is a rare genetic disorder that can make baby teeth as well as permanent teeth look blue-grey in colour. In this disorder, your teeth also become weak and prone to breaking.

How to treat grey teeth?

Depending on the causes of grey teeth and how dark the colour is, your dentist can help you determine the best course of treatment. Here are some common treatments used for grey teeth:

  1. Teeth Whitening: Although whitening treatments are more effective on yellow teeth, you can still achieve good results for grey teeth, except if the greying is caused by tetracycline usage. Your dentist may give you professional at-home tooth whitening strip kits or at-home bleaching kits with a bleaching solution and fitted mouthguard to whiten your teeth over time. If you want quicker results then you can go for in-office professional teeth whitening treatment, which uses more active ingredients such as the laser light treatments and more.

  2. Home Remedies: Some home remedies such as baking soda can also work for grey teeth. All you need to do is take a small amount of baking soda, mix it with water to make a paste, and apply it on your teeth as toothpaste. Alternatively, you can also use some whitening toothpastes for brushing your teeth. But please note that you cannot whiten grey teeth without professional assistance. So, use these remedies as add-ons after speaking to your dental expert about it.

  3. Dental Veneers: Your dental expert may also fit dental veneers to treat grey teeth. These are custom-fit, semi-permanent and thin covers, made up of either porcelain or composite resin, which are applied on the front of the teeth.

Grey teeth can be prevented, if one takes good care of their teeth. Follow a good oral care routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse. Visit the dentist once every six months for a full check-up. But if you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or notice grey stains on the teeth, consult them immediately. And use superior dental products such as the Oral-B electric toothbrushes to make sure your teeth are taken care of.