We all want bright, white teeth, but what happens when our bright whites turn gray? A gray tint or discoloration in your tooth is a problem that you cannot afford to ignore. But to fix the problem, you first have to understand what causes a gray tooth.
Tooth decay and tooth trauma are the most common causes behind that unwanted, gray discoloration. And while meeting with a cosmetic dentist is the best way to fully understand what’s happening to your teeth, we want to point you in the right direction now. This is no internet-diagnosis, but you can use this as a guide to better understand what might be at work in your mouth.
Tooth trauma
An intense fall, hit or injury can knock you on your back, leave you unconscious and trigger lasting physical pain. At times that pain may be a broken arm. Other times it may be a chipped or broken tooth. But that broken or chipped tooth needs to be effectively examined, because the trauma could be more serious than you realize initially. Oftentimes, tooth injuries can cause blood vessels to burst. It’s what we call tooth trauma, and if left untreated, the injury can lead to permanent damages.
When blood vessels burst, blood flow becomes restricted. And when your teeth experience restricted blood flow, the nerves and living tissue begin to die. That’s what causes a gray tooth — a discoloration that will only intensify until properly treated. But tooth trauma isn’t reserved for those in high-contact sports alone — those who regularly clench or grind their teeth may also experience tooth trauma overtime.
Tooth decay
The gray tooth you see can also be a sign of a much more serious matter — tooth decay. Tooth decay is a slow, progressive process that begins at the outer layers of your tooth. Left untreated, tooth decay will continue to progress inward, opening the door for bacteria to access deeper layers of the tooth.
The gray color you see may be the result of a slow, progressive decaying process that eventually results in a dead tooth. That sounds harsh, but it’s a real possibility. Your teeth are made up of living tissue. When blood flow is restricted, the nerves and tissue are starved and eventually die.
Why wait for the gray tooth?
Don’t wait for your tooth to turn gray before you address the problem. With regular dental visits and staying mindful about your overall health, you can proactively fight against this issue.
Already have a gray tooth? We have a solution!
Thanks to modern, cosmetic dentistry, there are more effective solutions than ever before to treat the dreaded gray tooth. You don’t have to hide your smile in embarrassment any longer. It’s time to give us a call. Make the appointment to come see us, and let’s bring back your bright whites and transform your smile.
