It is a fact that we always want our teeth to be white. Yellow, black, gray are the colors that we don’t like at all. For example, gray discoloration tends to occur mainly after a trauma. While adults can be the victims of other dental traumas such as falls and devitalization, children are more likely to exhibit this color and this can be of great concern.
It may be comforting to know that gray spots on teeth are not always serious or irreversible. But if it is accompanied by pain, it is important to pay attention to the situation. If a tooth turns gray after trauma, what exactly are the consequences and what precautions should you take? The answer to this question can help you better understand the problem so you can react accordingly.
If there are simple treatments or remedies to correct the problem, your first resort should be to make an appointment with your dentist who can put you at ease.
Gray Teeth, A Sign of Dental Trauma
As your child learns to walk, it’s natural for falls to be a part of the process. During the same period, it will test the resistance of eight newly emerged small teeth. First milk teeth, incisors are the main targets during these sometimes successful and sometimes unsuccessful attempts. Fortunately, due to the babies’ small size and weight, the effects are usually insignificant. But after a fall, be on the lookout for possible discoloration, whether the tooth is intact or cracked. The tooth may have hit the bone. This can lead to an abscess or damage to the embryo of the permanent tooth (the collection of cells that eventually form a tooth). If there is bleeding, significant damage, or significant looseness around the tooth long before any discoloration occurs, these are all valid reasons to see your dentist.
If you haven’t seen any of these symptoms but the tooth is turning gray, it means the bleeding is continuing. After a trauma, small blood vessels around the tooth can burst, releasing blood that ends up inside the tooth’s crown, causing a gray tint to appear within a few days. At this point, the tooth is probably still alive and sensitive. It is important to make an appointment with your dentist right away to prevent the condition from worsening.
If you can’t visit your dentist in a reasonable amount of time, continue to observe the problem tooth, focusing specifically on the surrounding gums.
If a white spot appears, it means that the nerve has died and is expelling itself in the form of pus. In this case, it is very important to consult a dentist as soon as possible. On the other hand, if the white spot is not visible, the tooth is still alive and no further action is required. The gray milk tooth will remain in place until the permanent tooth comes in. The same principles apply to permanent teeth. Keeping an eye on your teeth after a trauma is the best way to detect any abnormalities and prevent significant damage.
Is It Possible to Fix Gray Teeth?
As we mentioned, waiting for the permanent teeth to appear in children is the easiest way to solve the problem. You should also know that in most cases of dental trauma, professionals tend to do everything they can to protect the affected tooth. As a result, speech, nutrition and jaw bone development are not impaired. Suggested solution? The dentist can apply resin to correct the condition of the tooth. Regular x-rays can then confirm that no root abscess has formed and that the permanent tooth is developing normally.
What about Adults?
As long as the tooth does not die, there are several natural remedies and medical solutions available. The most well-known treatment is, without a doubt, veneers and crowns or caps. Made of porcelain or composite, these prosthetic materials cover the damaged tooth to hide any imperfections.
Whitening your teeth with hydrogen peroxide at the dentist’s office is another attractive alternative.
The Importance of Good Dental Hygiene
Whatever treatment you choose, remember that good oral hygiene is still essential to prevent or correct discoloration due to smoking or consumption of red wine, tea, or certain foods.
.Brush your teeth and tongue for two to three minutes after each meal, and then floss to remove food stuck between teeth or between teeth and gums.
.Try to wait 30 minutes after a meal before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel. However, there is no harm in rinsing your mouth while you wait.
.Complete tooth brushing approximately once a week with an antiseptic mouthwash.
.Remember to visit your dentist regularly for tartar removal to remove stubborn plaque and detect problems.
.Limit consumption of foods and beverages (tea, coffee, red wine, beetroot, etc.) known to stain teeth.
.Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head at least every three months.
Of course, regular visits to your dentist are the most reliable way to verify your oral health. Giving you confidence, informing you and advising you are key components of the professionals’ mission. Thanks to its high-tech equipment, human approach and meticulousness, it will surely find the best solution for you.
