The Oral Health Connection - By Penny Judson-Benny, Registered Dental Hygienist

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 My Teeth Are Grey and Discoloured

Teeth can be grey and/or discoloured for many reasons. Although it may be esthetically unpleasing, the discolouration doesn't necessarily mean there is anything seriously wrong with your teeth.
    Tooth trauma – a hit or blow to the face can cause a tooth or teeth to turn grey. Most times it is not harmful, unless the discoloured tooth becomes symptomatic and becomes infected.
    Excessive fluoride ingestion can cause a grayish tint to the teeth. This dark staining is called 'dental flourosis'.
    Taking the antibiotic tetracycline during the formation of teeth (ie. between the ages of 0 and 8 years old) or if a mother is taking tetracycline during pregnancy can cause a dark, greyish-brown staining on the child's teeth.
    Dark, grey patches on individual teeth may indicate that there is a suspected cavity. This should be checked by a dentist.'
    Baby bottle tooth decay' occurs when there are brownish stains on the tips of the primary teeth.  This can be caused by frequent ingestion of sweetened liquids (juice, milk…) through the bottle during the night while a baby sleeps.
    Darker areas can also occur on the teeth when the enamel has not formed properly on the teeth. This is called 'hypocalcif-ication'.
    In most cases, colour change in primary teeth does not affect the permanent teeth. White fillings can be placed to cover up discolouration of the teeth.
    In very rare cases, tooth discolouration in primary teeth can be caused by a systemic disease.
Prevention of Tooth Discolouration
    It is important to start cleaning a child's teeth as soon as each tooth appears in the mouth.
    Do not consume the antibiotic tetracycline during pregnancy and do not give it to a child between the ages of 0-8 years of age.
    Ingestion of excessive fluoride should be avoided.  It is important to check and see if your local community water has fluoride in it. If there is no fluoride in the water supply, it is important to give your child the recommended dosage in order to prevent tooth decay.
    Do not let your child ingest toothpaste. Most kids will try to swallow it, but it is important to teach children to expectorate toothpaste. Eating too much toothpaste on a regular basis can cause flourosis. Only allow small amounts of toothpaste on the toothbrush while brushing.

'Keep Your Smile For A Lifetime'



Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.