Do you have teeth that look more gray than pearly white? Some patients feel so self-conscious about dental discoloration that they avoid social interactions, which can detract from their daily quality of life.
Your dentist offers multiple services that can potentially brighten your grin if you’re feeling self-conscious about its shade. However, before suggesting potential cosmetic solutions, they’ll want to identify the underlying cause of your tinted teeth to provide suitable treatment recommendations. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential causes and how your dentist can help!
Cause #1: Physical Trauma
Many people think of their teeth as solid blocks of hard material, but the truth is that they have a protective outer layer that shields tender pulp and nerves inside. The blood vessels and other cells contained here provide all the nutrients essential to grow and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Unfortunately, any physical injury that cuts off the blood flow to a particular pearly white can result in a color change. This can sometimes even occur months or years after you initially sustained the damage, as oral issues tend to progressively worsen over time. Sometimes, a root canal can repair the damage, but if your tooth is too far gone to be mended, your dentist might be forced to consider extracting and replacing it.
Cause #2: Cavities
Cavities are another potential cause that can leave a tooth looking worse for wear. They occur when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode the protective enamel of your tooth. Not only can the decayed materials look darker than neighboring teeth, but caries can also cut off the circulation to the affected tooth, causing the nerves inside to die and turn gray.
Fortunately, this condition can often be prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. However, they can also provide solutions, like tooth-colored fillings or dental crowns, to restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality.
Cause #3: Medications
Some medications, like the antibiotic Tetracycline, can impact a child’s adult teeth before they erupt. This can affect enamel development, especially if you were exposed before the age of eight, because the drug binds to calcium, resulting in permanent blemishes. Furthermore, some root canal medications contain ingredients, like demeclocycline hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide, that can leave teeth looking grayish-brown.
Topical teeth whitening treatments can potentially brighten your smile, though depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist might recommend veneers or dental bonding to cover the blemishes instead.
If you’re still unsure why your teeth look dark or how to achieve your smile goals, consulting your dentist is the next best step!
About the Practice
At Skyline Dental of Morristown, you benefit from two dentists who share 20+ years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Aliana Henkin and Dr. Erilda Xholi collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to help you feel comfortable while they deliver accurate, long-lasting treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (862) 260-4116.