My tooth turned gray after I used teeth whitener | Naperville Dental Specialists (2024)

FAQs

Can teeth whitening make teeth gray? ›

Why Did Your Tooth Turn Gray After Whitening It? There are several things to consider: It may be that your tooth was damaged before you applied the whitening gel to it, and it became irritated afterward. The problem might stem from the whitening gel.

Most likely, yes. If your dentist diagnoses a necrotic pulp (or “dead tooth”), your treatment options will be either a root canal treatment to save the tooth, or an extraction to remove the tooth. Both options remove the dead tissue and prevent any spreading infection in your mouth.

Teeth that turn gray should be examined by a dentist. Your dentist can determine if a tooth is dead or dying and will let you know the best treatment for it. Gray teeth which aren't dying can often be brightened or whitened with at-home or dental treatments.

But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.

If teeth are overexposed to the hydrogen peroxide agent in whitening gel, the outer layers of enamel may begin to wear away, exposing the dentin and soft inner tissues. This results in lasting sensitivity and discoloration, as dentin is a naturally darker color than enamel.

The patient should use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel nightly for one – four weeks on the discoloured tooth. A reassessment with the dentist should be planned of the tooth colour.

If there are no other signs of injury, damage, or infection, Dr. Alex will typically recommend that you simply leave the tooth alone. Over time, the blood supply will return to normal, and the grayish, purplish discoloration of the tooth will go away.

Generally, it's unlikely that a grey tooth will heal and regain its actual color. Although sometimes it may heal if the root cause is fixed, it's rare.

This could be more serious than a simple cosmetic concern. Habitually, a grey tooth is an indication of an underlying condition that could necessitate instant treatment. You should seek advice from a dentist right away if your teeth are greying. It is important not to overlook oral complications.

In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.

Key Points. Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.

Aging: Most teeth become worn down over the years, and they might turn into a yellowish or grayish-blue color. Tooth decay: The more a tooth deteriorates, the less blood flow it'll receive. Without nutrients to survive, the tooth can break down and turn gray.

The simple answer is that a discolored and dark tooth is sort of like a bruise. When your child's tooth is damaged, the blood supply inside the tooth may be damaged, too. This results in a grayish or purplish discoloration of the tooth.

The sticky film known as plaque can easily build up on your teeth from the food and beverages you consume. And if you're not diligent about removing it, it might turn into stubborn tartar. Also known as calculus, tartar often looks yellow, but it can appear dingy gray or black, too.

Gray Tint in Natural Light

Sometimes, when the PFM crown is fixed to a front tooth, the difference in tone compared to natural teeth can be stark and unnerving. Other causes of gray tinting on a crown include tetracycline staining on the underlying teeth and silver fillings showing through.