Causes of Gray Teeth and What to Do About It

Noticing that one or more of your teeth are turning gray can be alarming. Unlike yellowing, which is often linked to surface stains from food or drinks, gray teeth usually signal a deeper issue. If you’ve observed this color change in your smile, it’s important to understand what might be causing it and how your dentist can help restore your tooth’s appearance and health.

What Causes Teeth to Turn Gray?

Several factors can lead to a tooth, or multiple teeth, taking on a grayish hue.

Tooth Trauma

One of the most common causes of a gray tooth is injury or trauma, especially to a front tooth. When a tooth is hit hard, the blood vessels and nerves inside (the pulp) can become damaged or die. As the tissue breaks down, the tooth may take on a gray or even black appearance over time. This doesn’t always happen right away – discoloration may take weeks or even years to become noticeable.

Aging

As we age, enamel naturally thins, revealing more of the dentin underneath. Dentin is typically yellow, but in some cases, it can appear darker or grayer. This is especially true for people who have experienced enamel wear due to grinding or acid erosion.

Medication Side Effects

Certain antibiotics, particularly tetracycline, can cause teeth to develop a grayish or bluish tint if taken during childhood while the teeth are still forming. These stains are embedded deep within the tooth and are difficult to remove with traditional whitening methods.

Tooth Decay or Restorative Materials

Severe tooth decay can sometimes cause discoloration, especially if the decay has reached the pulp. Old dental restorations, especially metal-based ones, can also give nearby teeth a gray tint due to shadowing or metal leakage under the enamel.

Genetics and Developmental Issues

In rare cases, genetics or developmental conditions can affect tooth color, including gray discoloration.

How Your Dentist Can Fix Gray Teeth

The right solution depends on the underlying cause of the discoloration. Fortunately, dentists have several effective ways to address gray teeth.

Internal Whitening

If the tooth is still healthy but discolored due to trauma, your dentist might perform internal bleaching. This involves placing a whitening agent inside the tooth to brighten it from the inside out, a technique typically used after a root canal.

Dental Veneers or Bonding

For teeth with deep, intrinsic staining (such as tetracycline stains), veneers or cosmetic bonding can cover the gray areas. Veneers are thin shells that fit over the front of the tooth, while bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to mask discoloration.

Crowns

If a gray tooth is also structurally damaged, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. This option both protects the tooth and restores a natural, white appearance.

Root Canal Treatment

If the gray color is due to a dying or dead tooth pulp, a root canal may be needed before any cosmetic treatment. This removes the infected tissue and prevents further complications.

Gray teeth aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they often indicate an underlying issue that should be evaluated by a dental professional. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, your dentist can restore both the health and brightness of your smile. If you notice any unusual discoloration, don’t wait – schedule a dental visit to get to the root of the problem.

About the Author

Dr. Yana Nemtseva graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry before completing an American Dental Association-accredited hospital-based General Practice Residency Program at Woodhull Medical and Mental Center in New York City. There, she did advanced work in endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and implant dentistry. If you’re experiencing cosmetic issues with your teeth, Dr. Nemtseva and our team have solutions ranging from high quality metal-free crowns to porcelain veneers to teeth whitening. Schedule your appointment with us today online or call our Morganville office at (732) 972-6400.