Human teeth are naturally a slightly yellowish shade of white, but they can accrue stains or discoloration over the years. While yellow or brown stains are more common, some patients may notice that one or more of their teeth take on a grayish or bluish tint. While this problem can be unsightly, it may also be indicative of an underlying oral health issue. Here’s why your teeth may appear to be gray and how your dentist can help you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile.
What Is the Natural Color of Teeth?
While many people assume that teeth are naturally white, the truth is more complex. A human tooth consists of a hard outer layer of bluish-white enamel for protection, an underlayer of yellowish dentin to maintain its structure, and soft pulp containing nerves and blood vessels at the center. A healthy smile is typically a yellowish shade of white, but certain medical conditions can result in a person’s teeth taking on a grayish color.
What Causes Gray Teeth?
A person may develop gray teeth due to a variety of factors such as:
- Genetics: Hereditary opalescent dentin is a condition resulting from a genetic mutation that weakens the dentin layer and gives it a bluish color.
- Early antibiotic exposure: Some common antibiotics like tetracycline can cause a child’s adult teeth to take on blue-grey or yellow-brown stains, often in a horizontal stripe pattern. This can happen if a child receives one of these antibiotics too early or if a woman takes them while pregnant.
- Dental restorations: Many older dental crowns and fillings are made from metal that can cause natural tooth structure to develop an unsightly gray color.
How Can My Dentist Help?
If you are concerned about stains or discoloration in your teeth, your dentist may be able to help with professional teeth whitening. This treatment can take the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed over two weeks, and they deliver results far superior to those of store-bought teeth bleaching products. The first step to receiving this treatment is having a consultation with your dentist so they can evaluate your mouth to ensure that your teeth can be whitened safely before recommending an appropriate cosmetic procedure.
Don’t let blue or gray stains stand in the way of your ideal smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you.
About the Practice
Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth offers exemplary dental services to children and adults in Long Beach. Led by Drs. Glen Shanock, Benny Tong, and Eliana Sarit, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective treatments and sincere compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, contact the office online or dial (516) 517-0331.