In general, babies start getting their teeth in at 6 months of age. And starting at 6 years old, they’ll start getting their adult teeth. During these periods, you should be closely monitoring their teeth to ensure that they’re growing in correctly. Regular visits to your dentist for checkups will help. But what if you have noticed that your child’s tooth is turning grey? Read on for some possible reasons and solutions to this common question.

Trauma

While children grow up and explore their worlds, it is likely that they’ll have a few slips and spills in the process. That is completely normal! If your child slips, falls, or bumps into objects, it is not uncommon for them to occasionally suffer damage to their teeth as well. However, a chipped tooth isn’t the only thing that can happen. The tooth can also become discoloured (grey, black, brown, or red). Please note that this is usually temporary and will disappear once the tooth heals. If your child’s tooth remains grey, then you need to have a family dentist check it out and perform an examination. It can be a sign that the tooth has become infected or the nerve has died.

The Use of Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to fight many types of infections in the body. If used before the age of eight, this can cause grey lines on the teeth. If the child’s mother was on tetracycline while pregnant, this may also cause grey teeth in your child as well.

Childhood Tooth Decay

Another reason why your child’s tooth is turning grey is because it’s decaying. When it decays, this also cuts off blood like with trauma, which can cause it to turn grey or other colours. This is because the tooth is dying, so it’s important that you make an appointment with a dentist if you notice this happening.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

This is a rare hereditary disorder, so it may not be likely that your child has it. However, you should still be aware of it so you can take note of any early signs. Dentinogenesis imperfecta present with blue-grey teeth, both baby and permanent ones. This condition can make teeth weak, which means you might see breakage in your child’s teeth. If this happens, it’s important to see a dentist, as they can take the appropriate actions to fix the breakages. Mostly, they’ll use dental fillings for children. For older patients, they might also use veneers, caps, crowns, and bridges.

Have Your Child’s Tooth Looked at by a Professional in Red Deer

No matter what you think has caused your child’s tooth to turn grey, the best step is to have it looked at and taken care of by a dentist. Not only can they properly diagnose the issue, but they can also help your child remedy it so their oral health is the best it can be. If your child has grey teeth, then schedule an appointment at Parkland Mall Dental Centre now. We’re welcoming new patients in Red Deer and the surrounding areas!