If you’ve noticed your toddler’s tooth turning grey, it’s understandable to be concerned. Whether it’s a front tooth that suddenly looks darker or a subtle grey tint that’s appeared over time, toddler tooth discoloration can have several causes.
As for how to fix a grey toddler tooth, the good news is, it doesn’t always require intervention. Sometimes, the discoloration fades on its own; however, in other cases, it may signal an issue like trauma or decay that requires the attention of a pediatric dentist.
In this post, our Naperville kids’ dentists will discuss why your child’s tooth may be turning grey, when you should seek dental care and what you can do to protect your little one’s smile.
Why Is My Toddler’s Tooth Turning Grey?
Before we discuss how to fix a grey toddler tooth, let’s cover why your toddler’s tooth is turning grey. Here are the most common causes of toddler and infant tooth discoloration:
- Dental Trauma
Toddlers are naturally active and prone to accidents. If your child’s tooth turned grey after a fall, a bump on the coffee table or even biting something hard, the most likely cause is tooth trauma.The tooth’s inner tissue, called pulp, contains blood vessels that can bleed internally when injured, much like a bruise. This can make your child’s tooth appear grey, brown or even black.If the pulp heals, the grey color may fade within weeks or months. If the pulp dies, the tooth will likely stay grey and require treatment. - Tooth Decay
Untreated tooth decay can cause teeth to darken or look greyish. Decay weakens the enamel and eventually results in a cavity, or a hole. It can also reach the pulp, leading to infection or nerve death.If you’re wondering, “Can tooth decay be reversed?” — early-stage decay can sometimes be halted or remineralized with good oral hygiene and fluoride. Once very early decay advances into a cavity, it requires professional treatment. The sooner decay is addressed, the easier and less invasive the treatment will be. - Natural Enamel Variations
Sometimes, teeth appear discolored simply because of differences in enamel thickness or mineralization. This type of infant tooth discoloration is harmless and doesn’t require treatment, though it’s a good idea to have your pediatric dentist confirm that it’s not a sign of decay. - Medications or Health Conditions
A 2023 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that 25 drugs are significantly associated with tooth discoloration, including certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline (rarely used in toddlers today). Additionally, when growing kids are exposed to too much fluoride, it can cause fluorosis, which is marked by tooth discoloration, pitting and white spots on the teeth.Certain health conditions that affect enamel formation can also make teeth appear grey.
Can a Grey Toddler Tooth Turn White Again?
It depends on the cause.
If the discoloration comes from mild trauma and the pulp recovers, the tooth may gradually return to its normal color. However, if the pulp has died or decay is present, your toddler’s grey tooth is unlikely to lighten on its own.
Only a pediatric dentist can determine whether the tooth is healthy or needs treatment. A quick dental exam and digital x-ray will reveal whether there’s infection or nerve damage.
How to Fix a Grey Toddler Tooth
When it comes to how to fix a grey toddler tooth, the treatment, or lack thereof, depends on what’s causing the discoloration and whether the tooth is still viable.
Here are the most common approaches:
- Monitoring
If the tooth isn’t painful and there are no signs of infection, your dentist may recommend simply keeping an eye on it. The color may fade as the tooth heals naturally. - Pulp Therapy (Baby Root Canal)
If the pulp is damaged, your child may need pulp therapy to remove the affected tissue while preserving the tooth structure. Procedures like a pulpotomy or pulpectomy eliminate the infection and help save your toddler’s natural tooth so it can continue to save space for the permanent tooth below it. - Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is severely decayed or infected, or the discoloration is accompanied by swelling, pain or a gum pimple (abscess), an extraction might be necessary to protect your child’s oral health.Depending on your child’s age and the tooth that needs to be extracted, we may recommend placing a dental space maintainer to prevent the other teeth from shifting into the empty space. - Tooth-Colored Crowns or Bonding
If your toddler’s front tooth turned grey after trauma and you’re worried about the aesthetics, cosmetic bonding or a white crown can restore a natural look.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
Call your pediatric dentist right away if your child’s grey tooth is accompanied by:
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Sensitivity or pain when eating
- A bump or pimple on the gums
- Bad breath or drainage
Even without symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam to ensure there’s no underlying damage or infection.
How to Prevent Toddler Tooth Discoloration
While you can’t prevent every bump or fall, these steps can help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy:
- Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (no larger than a grain of rice). You can increase this to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when your child turns 3.
- Floss once daily as soon as any two of your toddler’s teeth are touching.
- Minimize starchy and sugary snacks and drinks, which increase the risk of decay.
- Never put your toddler to bed with a bottle.
- Schedule dental visits every six months starting at age 1.
- Use a mouthguard if your child plays contact sports.
Good oral hygiene and regular checkups are the best defense against discoloration, decay, and early tooth loss.
How to Fix a Grey Toddler Tooth: The Takeaway
If your toddler’s tooth is turning grey, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. In many cases, it’s just a sign of minor trauma that will resolve on its own. But, sometimes, it can indicate decay or damaged pulp that needs attention.
At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, our Naperville pediatric dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating toddler tooth discoloration gently and effectively. We’ll determine the cause, monitor healing and provide treatment if needed, all while keeping your little one comfortable and confident.
Schedule your child’s visit today to find out what’s behind their grey tooth and get expert care from our award-winning team.