Your smile is one of the first things people see when you first meet. When your teeth start to become a bit stained, it can get in the way of your self-confidence.

Perhaps you drank some red wine or ate something staining and noticed. This type of stain is normal for everyone.

Now, you might wonder, why is my tooth grey? When your teeth get a noticeable grey/blackish stain, it may be time to do something about your oral health problems. Below, you can read all about it and how to return your smile back to normal.

Trauma or Injury

Accidents, sports, and other activities can cause teeth to chip, crack, or experience other forms of physical trauma. In addition to this damage resulting in pain and discomfort, it can make teeth look grey. There are solutions for this discoloration. A dentist can repair the teeth with bonding, veneers, or crowns.

Whitening treatments can restore a brighter shade of color to the smile. For those with teeth more severely impacted, a tooth filling may be needed to repair the damage and remove the discoloration. Find a dentist here now and get on the path to a healthier, brighter smile.

Tetracycline Staining

This condition is caused by taking the antibiotic tetracycline, which binds with calcium in the teeth and turns them grey. The color of your teeth is especially prominent in younger individuals whose teeth have not fully developed, but adults can also be affected. The best way to rejuvenate your smile is to restore the discolored teeth with dental veneers.

Your dentist will be able to assess the severity of the staining and recommend the best solution for you. There are discrepancies over whether or not the discoloring can be reversed without treatment – some experts believe it may fade over time.

Dead Tooth (Necrotic Pulp)

Treatment for necrotic pulp will likely require a root canal procedure and may even involve extraction in more advanced cases. While a root canal is a reliable option for dead tooth restoration, it can leave the teeth discolored.

To bring back your smile, you can opt to rejuvenate your smile via grey tooth treatments such as laser whitening or stripping agents, which will help to remove the grayish discoloration of the tooth. If the cause of the discoloration is deep due to the necrotic pulp, you may need to combine it with a restorative treatment such as a crown or veneer to get the desired effect.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Nicotine is a strong yellow-brown colored dye, and when absorbed by the enamel on our teeth, it leaves an ugly grey or yellowish color. In addition to nicotine, the smoke contains various other chemicals, such as tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, permanently affixed to teeth surfaces, causing more discoloration.

Professional in-office whitening treatments, at-home whitening kits, over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, and many type of mouthwash can all reduce the discoloration caused by smoking. A dentist can also recommend professional cleaning and polishing treatments to help remove any stubborn stains left over from smoking. 

The Final Outcome: Why Is My Tooth Grey?

Ever wondered why is my tooth grey? Causes can range from dietary habits to medication, age, and infections.

In order to rejuvenate your smile, it’s important to identify the source of your discoloration. The good news is there are several remedies to address discoloration and brighten your smile.

Talk to your dentist to find the best course of action to create the radiant smile you deserve!

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