Baton Rouge Dentist

Why Won’t My Gray Tooth Whiten?

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I have a tooth that turned gray. It’s been so frustrating, because I just can’t get it to whiten. I’ve been using whitestrips. Every other tooth whitens except that one. Why can’t I get it to whiten?

Sam W. – Kansas

Sam,

It sounds like that tooth has suffered some trauma. Nothing will whiten it. Not white strips. Not even professional teeth whitening.  Your stain has occurred from the inside out. The bruise on the inside of the tooth is what gives the tooth its gray appearance. Teeth whitening only works on stains that occur from the outside in.

What you’ll need is to see a dentist and have him or her do a root canal treatment on your tooth. If you’re already happy with the color of the remainder of your teeth, then you can get the crown to match the rest of your teeth.

IF you’re not happy yet, get professional teeth whitening done, so it can go quickly and then get the crown.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

Can I Whiten a Preschoolers Tooth?

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My daughter had an accident that turned her tooth gray. The dentist wants me to leave it alone because he thinks it will fall out in a year or so. I don’t want her made fun of by the other children. Can’t I whiten it? My dentist thinks I’m a little over the top.

Beth Q. – L.A.,  California

Beth,

I know appearances are a big deal in LA, but in this case I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Most preschoolers are more interested in having fun with their friends than what the appearance is. If you daughter was in later elementary onward, it might be a different story.

The truth is in your daughter’s situation, teeth whitening won’t work. So, it’s not even an option.

The key will be not making it into a big deal. If you don’t act like there is anything wrong with the tooth, she won’t feel uncomfortable. Then, in about a year, it will fall out and she can start fresh with a nice adult tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.