What’s my teeth saying?

from U The Caribbean Health Digest - Issue 45

Ceviche

WRITTEN BY VINCE ASHER

• Getting older – Many physical changes come with aging, and your teeth are often not excluded. As we age, our teeth’s enamel erodes, causing either a yellow or blue color change in our teeth.

• Oral Damage – injuries near the tooth or gum can interrupt the blood ﬂow to the tissue beneath your teeth, causing discoloration. It is possible for your tooth to heal and return to its normal color, but in some instances, it may remain blue.

• Antibiotic Exposure – reports indicate that early exposure to infection-ﬁghting antibiotics in the womb or as an infant can cause permanent bluish discoloration in adulthood.

• Dead Teeth – despite the concept that teeth themselves are lifeless, beneath your healthy tooth are nerves and pulp. Once either of those has died, your teeth will change to a blue-gray color.

• Dental Repairs – while dental restorations and procedures are designed to ﬁx existing oral issues, some may result in tooth discoloration. Substances used in dental repairs, such as amalgam, porcelain, ionomer, et cetera, age and can begin to peek through your teeth’s enamel surface.

• Infections – diseases occurring in the gums or beneath the teeth can also cause discoloration.

ARE BLUE TEETH DEAD TEETH?

While blue teeth can indicate dead teeth, this is not always the case. Blue teeth have many causes, so do not panic. Instead, consult with your dentist to determine the source of your discoloration. It can be a cosmetic imperfection or a result of trauma. Your dentist will conduct the necessary examinations before diagnosis.

CAN MOUTHWASH TURN YOUR TEETH BLUE?

Some mouthwashes can potentially stain your teeth. This is known as an extrinsic stain caused by dyes and colorings in some mouth rinses. Experts suggest that it is more likely to observe a bluish hue if there is something for the dyes to stick to, i.e., plaque. The more you get rid of plaque build-up on your teeth, the less likely dyes will attach it. However, it is important to note that even with proper oral hygiene, some rinses, particularly Chlorhexidine Gluconate, are known to cause discoloration. Properly research the ingredients in your mouth, rinse and try to select organic products.

CAN BACTERIA TURN YOUR TEETH BLUE?

Bacteria can impact the color of your teeth. Bacteria makes you prone to gum disease, which can result in infections and damage to your nerves and the pulp beneath your tooth. Both can affect the overall health of your tooth, making it likelier to become discolored. In addition, the more bacteria linger in our mouths, the easier our teeth become stained from dyes in oral hygiene products, such as mouth rinses. Excessive bacteria, in any instance, are dangerous for the maintenance of proper hygiene and health.

HOW TO FIX BLUE TEETH?

Dental professionals have devised a few plans to combat blue teeth. Here are some:

• Whitening Treatments – whitening treatments, including gels, strips, laser, and bleaching treatments, can be used either in the ofﬁce or at home to help reduce the bluish appearance. This treatment option is the simplest and most cost friendly but may not work for all cases of blue teeth.

• Crowns – dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that professionals place over your damaged teeth. This option completely hides your blue teeth and is entirely safe. Some crowns are made of ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, or resin. Apart from hiding the blue teeth, crowns provide renewed strength to your tooth and prevent further decay of your natural tooth. Well-maintained dental crowns typically last up to 15 years and do not require any special care.

• Veneers – these are wafer-thin, custom-made tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of your teeth. Often made of porcelain, these semi-permanent shells hide imperfections. Veneers require a few trips to the dentist for your consultation, ﬁtting, and application. You will be given the option of choosing your shape, size, length, and shade. Veneers might be the way to go if you’re looking for the most customizable option.

• Root Canal – if your blue teeth result from dead nerves and tissue, your dentist might recommend a root canal. A root canal removes the dead pulp, cleans the infection, and fills the roots with a permanent filling. In some cases, your dentist may recommend getting a crown over the filling, depending on how damaged the tooth is. If not, they may recommend bleaching treatments to help restore the color of your tooth. This treatment option ensures the health of your tooth is prioritized.

The ﬁrst step in caring for your teeth is practicing proper oral hygiene at home. Secondly, stay up to date with your dental visits. If you have blue teeth, be sure not to panic. Schedule a consultation with your dental professional for a check-up. Blue teeth have varying causes, and yours might not be as bad as dead teeth. However, if they are, rest assured you have treatment options.

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