Gray teeth are actually colorless teeth. Color change in teeth occurs not only in the gray spectrum, but also in shades of black, green, brown, orange, pink, blue, yellow and red. The appearance of a person's teeth is important in determining its attractiveness. About 90% of people who are not satisfied with the appearance of their smiles are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth.
Gray Teeth and Causes of Formation
Gray teeth have several causes, including:
- Aging: Your teeth change color as you get older. The darker the enamel layer outside the teeth, the more visible the dentin layer. This is one reason why teeth appear grayer as they age. Teeth can be stained from food and beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine. Therefore, not consuming such products will help you to have a more beautiful tooth structure despite aging.
- Use of tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic. Especially in the age of development, the use of such antibiotics can cause staining of the teeth when the suction and dentin (the easing is the outer layer of the tooth, the dentin is located immediately inside) occurs.
- Fluorosis: Fluorosis is exposure to a lot of fluoride when teeth are formed. It can incorrectly mineralize parts of the teeth, enamel and dentinin, which can lead to gray spots on the teeth. High amounts of fluoride added to drinking water also cause discoloration in the teeth, especially in children of developmental age.
- Trauma: If a tooth is violently hit on an object, it may become discontirting. Trauma to the primary front teeth is very common. As a result of such accidents, the teeth become sensitive, loose, can be moved or broken in any direction.
- It is believed that the gray color is the death of the inner part or nerve of the tooth. Trauma also causes permanent teeth to become gray. This is due to damage to the blood vessels in the affected tooth and the decomposition of the blood inside the tooth.
- Silver nitrate: Silver nitrate is a compound used in the dental canals treated with root canal treatment. It's said to sterilize the ducts. This drug can gray the tooth.
- Amalgam fillings: Amalgam fillings with metal fillings on the teeth can make a tooth gray. When filling is corroded over time, it can discolor the dentin layer in the tooth. This color change is difficult to remove by bleaching.
- Orthodontic treatment: Teeth may change color during orthodontic treatment (braces). Force is applied to the teeth to move the teeth, and the problem of inflammation of the nerves in the teeth may occur. This inflammation causes a discoloration of the tooth, but usually goes away on its own over time.
- Dental hygiene: Poor dental hygiene and the use of tobacco products can color the outside of the teeth.
Solutions and Precautionary Recommendations for Whitening Gray Teeth at Home
To prevent and alleviate tooth coloring, follow these steps:
- Stains on the outside of the teeth are caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly can help prevent and remove these stains.
- Reducing the use of tobacco products and coffee, brushing products such as red wine and tea immediately after consuming it will help prevent stains from forming.
- Avoiding the use of tetracycline, i.e. antibiotics, in pregnant women and young children will eliminate staining of teeth.
- Limiting a child's use of toothpaste containing fluoride to a small pea size will reduce color change.
- Using a mouth protection apparatus while exercising and performing similar activities will prevent damage to the teeth and eliminate the cause of the discoloration.
- Home whitening kits are available in pharmacies, but they must be cleaned professionally before using teeth.
Gray Teeth and Whitening Foods
Gray teeth are actually indicative of problems that often require medical treatment. Such color changes cannot be easily replaced with herbal and natural applications. However, you can consume the following foods to whiten graying caused by simple reasons.
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Orange (excessive and frequent consumption can erode teeth)
- Milk
- Walnut
- Lemon juice (excessive consumption can lead to tooth wear)
- Apple
- Apple cider vinegar (excessive and frequent consumption can erode teeth)
- Carrot
- Almonds (excessive consumption due to cyanide compound can be toxic)
- Pear
- Strawberry
- Yogurt
Last Words About Gray Teeth
Grey colorless teeth are definitely a cosmetic problem that can affect your self-esteem. If a tooth suddenly becomes gray, contact a dentist to avoid complications. Good oral hygiene practices should be part of your daily routine. It is important to protect your teeth with a soft protector during hard sports activities.
What are the Herbal Treatment Recommendations for Gum Swelling If you have gum swelling problems? and what is good for toothache if you are experiencing toothache you can read the article titled Herbal solution at home.