One of the things that many of us truly aspire towards is a bright, fresh smile, and it’s easy to see why. We often associate the idea of having clean, white teeth with being healthy, youthful, and hygienic, and so when we aren’t achieving that naturally, it can feel like a cause for concern. To alleviate that concern slightly, teeth darkening a little over time is natural for many people, and often comes with age. However, there can be other factors at play, and it’s important that you work with your dentist if you’re concerned about any changes in the look or texture of your teeth and gums.
At All About Dentistry, our team is dedicated to supporting the dental needs of our community in every way we can. So, today, we’re going to break down what causes teeth to darken and stain, so you can know what to look out for.
Ageing Causes Dental Changes
There are many parts of our bodies that change as we age, and teeth are certainly no exception. Even in the most diligent of us, enamel can wear down over time as we age, leading to the yellow dentin below becoming visible. Additionally, as we age, the teeth can darken from white to a more grey, or even blue hue, making them appear dark.
Dead Teeth
Generally, if someone is asking why their teeth are grey, they’re usually referring to a slight tinge across all their teeth which is causing them concern. However, if you have one or two teeth that have changed more significantly in colour, then you’re likely dealing with dead teeth. A mix of nerves, decay, and more can lead dead teeth to be a number of concerning-looking colours, even including dark pink. So, if you notice a significant change in the quality or colour of a tooth, it’s time to call your dentist as soon as possible.
Trauma to the Tooth or Mouth
If you’ve experienced an injury to the tooth, gums, or surrounding mouth, it’s possible that circulation around your teeth may be impacted. In these cases, teeth can begin to look duller, leading to a more grey hue. This can be looked into by your dentist, so if you suspect dental trauma to be the culprit, certainly get on top of it as soon as you can to avoid further issues.
What Can You Do to Make Teeth Look Brighter?
As we repeatedly stress, if you notice large changes to your teeth, it’s important that you speak with a specialist. With that said, if the issue is simply a discolouration, there are ways to alleviate that and give yourself a brighter smile.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
The first port of call for most people who wish for whiter teeth, teeth whitening treatments are exactly what they sound like. Either coming as an at-home kit or as a treatment offered by dentists, whitening often involves bleaching the tooth over time to make it look visibly whiter. This is generally safe but can have some mild side effects such as uneven whitening depending on the reason for the discolouration. Blue light options are also available which purport to support the tooth whitening process.
Dental Veneers
Acting as a new front for your teeth, dental veneers are a popular choice for those who feel unsatisfied with the overall look of their smile. While certainly a more expensive and involved option than simply whitening, veneers offer a more long-term solution that can also help to reshape teeth that have experienced trauma or damage.
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Whilst this is not an exhaustive article, we hope that you’ve gotten a little more insight into what can cause teeth to be dark or grey in colour. To learn more about what’s going on in your mouth, book an appointment with All About Dentistry today, and start the journey towards a healthier smile!