Noticing a grey tooth in your child can feel concerning, but it’s actually quite common, especially after a bump or injury to their front teeth. Trauma can cause a tooth to darken within 2-3 weeks. However, this darkening doesn’t always mean the tooth is dead. In fact, most of the time, the tooth stays healthy.
In the best-case scenario, the tooth heals naturally. If it lightens to yellow, it’s a sign that scar tissue is forming inside. As long as your child doesn’t experience pain or discomfort, the tooth is on the path to recovery.
Will the Grey Tooth Color Improve?
According to a study from Israel, about 52% of traumatized teeth will fade to a lighter grey or yellow over time, while 48% may stay dark grey. From my experience, it can take up to 6 months for the color to lighten. The darkening is similar to a bruise, but in this case, it occurs inside the tooth, and because the blood vessels inside the tooth are affected, the healing process takes longer.
Will the Grey Tooth Heal on Its Own?
In some cases, the nerve of the baby tooth may slowly die, which could affect the adult tooth growing underneath. We can monitor the adult tooth’s health with an x-ray. If the root of the baby tooth becomes infected, it may impact the adult tooth. Swelling or pain may indicate a more serious issue, and the baby tooth might need removal to protect the adult tooth. Occasionally, the adult tooth may develop a white or brown spot or a small dimple due to the trauma. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
How Can I Help My Child?
- Soft Foods: Allow time for the tooth to heal. Encourage your child to avoid using the injured tooth for about a week.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Keep the injured area clean by brushing and flossing daily. If the area is sore, an antimicrobial mouth rinse may help. Dr. Ella can recommend one if needed.
- Baby Root Canal: In some cases, a baby root canal may be recommended soon after the injury to preserve the tooth. The decision to proceed depends on the extent of the trauma.
What Should I Watch For?
- Pain: If your child avoids using the tooth or complains of discomfort, contact us right away.
- Swelling: Red or swollen gums may indicate infection. Let us know immediately if you notice this.
- Dark Discoloration: If the grey color persists, it could signal internal inflammation. Regular check-ups are important to ensure the tooth isn’t affecting the underlying adult tooth.
- Loose Tooth: Increased mobility is a sign of infection and requires immediate attention.
- Draining Fistula: If you notice a white pimple-like spot on the gum, this could be a sign of infection and should be addressed quickly.
What About a Grey Adult Tooth?
A grey adult tooth usually indicates the nerve is dead, and a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. At our pediatric dental practices in Vancouver and South Surrey, we prioritize your child’s comfort and dental health. If you have any concerns about your child’s grey tooth or dental trauma, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!
Book A Dental Appointment
As with adults, your child needs to get their teeth cleaned and a dental checkup every six months. Kids should start going to the dentist soon after their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday, whichever happens first. Contact us to schedule an appointment.