Teeth naturally turn yellowish or greyish over time due to a variety of factors. This discoloration occurs as the enamel on the outside of teeth wears down from use and age, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. Teeth also accumulate stains on their surface from foods, drinks, tobacco use, and improper oral hygiene. Here we’ll explore the main causes of grey and discolored teeth and what you can do to prevent or reverse it.
Causes of Grey Teeth
There are several reasons teeth may turn grey or become discolored over time:
Wearing down of enamel
Enamel is the hard, shiny outer layer that protects the tooth. It’s translucent so the yellowish dentin underneath shows through as it wears down with chewing, grinding, acid erosion, and aging. This natural thinning of enamel is the primary reason teeth appear more yellow or grey as we get older.
Staining from food and drinks
Many foods and beverages can stain or discolor teeth. Some of the biggest culprits are coffee, tea, red wine, colas, berries, dark sauces, and acidic juices. The tannins, acids, colors, and flavors in these items seep into microscopic pits and fractures in the enamel and cause discoloration.
Tobacco use
Smoking or chewing tobacco is very staining for teeth. The tar and nicotine causes brownish-grey discoloration on the surface. It also seeps down into the pores of the enamel.
Poor oral hygiene
Not properly brushing and flossing allows plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on teeth. This plaque hardens into tartar that deposits itself below the gum line and along the base of teeth. This substance can become stained over time, making teeth appear yellowed or grey.
Medications
Certain prescription medications such as tetracycline antibiotics taken during tooth development can cause grey, brown, or yellow discoloration of teeth later on. Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs are also associated with dental discoloration.
Fluorosis
Consuming too much fluoride during early childhood can cause a condition known as dental fluorosis. This results in white specks or streaking on teeth along with mottled enamel that has a stained appearance.
Trauma
Injuries that damage the tooth can ultimately cause a greyish-brown appearance. That’s because a blow to the mouth can cause dentin below the enamel to become darker over time. Cracked or chipped teeth are more prone to staining as well.
Aging
As you age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth naturally becomes thinner, allowing more of the yellowish inner dentin layer to show through. Teeth also tend to darken with age and appear more greyish or translucent.
Prevention Tips
You can help slow down discoloration of your teeth by following these tips:
- Brush teeth twice daily with whitening toothpaste.
- Floss once a day to remove staining plaque.
- Rinse mouth after eating or drinking staining foods and beverages.
- Drink dark liquids through a straw to avoid contact with front teeth.
- Quit smoking and avoid other tobacco products.
- Get dental cleanings every 6 months.
Treatment Options
If you already have greyish teeth, there are ways to potentially reverse or reduce the discoloration:
Professional teeth whitening
In-office laser whitening and custom-fitted whitening trays prescribed by your dentist are the most effective ways to brighten discolored teeth several shades whiter.
Over-the-counter whitening
Whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and tray-based systems can lighten teeth a couple of shades if used correctly and consistently.
Dental veneers
These thin, custom-made porcelain covers are bonded to the front of teeth to create a whiter, brighter smile. Veneers can cover stubborn grey stains.
Dental bonding
Bonding resins applied to the tooth surface can mask intrinsic grey stains located inside the dentin layer of teeth.
Dental crowns
Caps placed over damaged or discolored teeth can completely cover their appearance. Crowns are custom-matched to the natural teeth color you desire.
| Treatment | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Whitening | $500 – $1,000 | 30-60 mins per session |
| Over-the-Counter Whitening | $30 – $100 | Daily use for 1-2 weeks |
| Dental Veneers | $925 – $2,500 per tooth | 2+ dental visits |
| Dental Bonding | $100 – $400 per tooth | 1 dental visit |
| Dental Crowns | $800 – $3,000 per crown | 2 dental visits |
When to See Your Dentist
Consult your dentist if your teeth become significantly darker or stained. A dental exam can determine if the color change is due to thinning enamel, cavities, oral infections, root decay, or other issues that need treatment. For cosmetic staining, your dentist can suggest the most effective teeth whitening or restorative solutions to improve your smile.
Conclusion
Grey and discolored teeth are usually a natural result of thinning enamel and exposure of underlying dentin. Stains can also accumulate from food, drinks, tobacco, and poor hygiene habits. Preventive care and professional whitening treatments can help keep your smile brighter. But some amount of greyish tint may be inevitable with age as enamel wears down over time. See your dentist regularly and follow good oral hygiene to keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible.