What Does It Mean If Your Child’s Tooth Turns Gray?

child's grey tooth, image of smiling Black girl

Noticing a gray tooth in your child’s smile can be alarming, but it’s not uncommon. A tooth turning gray often signals an issue beneath the surface. Here’s what might be causing the discoloration and what steps you should take.

What Causes a Tooth to Turn Gray?

A tooth often turns gray due to trauma or injury. If your child bumped their tooth during play, blood vessels inside may have been damaged. This can cause discoloration as the tooth reacts to the trauma.

Decay is another potential cause. A cavity left untreated can damage the inner layers of the tooth, leading to a grayish appearance. In some cases, a gray tooth may indicate that the nerve inside has died, which requires professional attention.

Is a Gray Tooth Always Serious?

While a gray tooth might look concerning, it isn’t always an emergency. Sometimes, the discoloration fades over time as the tooth heals. However, if your child’s tooth remains gray or they experience pain, swelling, or sensitivity, it’s important to visit the dentist. These symptoms could indicate an infection or other underlying issue that needs treatment.

How is a Gray Tooth Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. If the tooth is healing on its own, your dentist may simply monitor it during regular visits. For more serious cases, such as infection or nerve damage, your child may need additional care like a pulpotomy (a baby tooth version of a root canal) to save the tooth.

Caring for Little Smiles at Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX

At Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Chang Ryu and Dr. Michelle Kim specialize in treating kids’ dental needs with care and expertise. If your child’s tooth has turned gray, we’ll provide a thorough evaluation and gentle treatment. Contact our Austin, TX office today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.

Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry

Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry