Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern
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Reading Time: Three Minutes
When your toddler’s tooth suddenly turns grey, it’s normal to worry. Sometimes, the change is temporary, but in other cases, it could be a sign of injury or infection that needs professional care.
Table of Contents
What Causes Grey Teeth in Toddlers?
If your child’s tooth starts to look grey, it often means something has affected the soft tissue inside the tooth. Here are some common reasons why that happens:
- Dental trauma: A bump or fall can damage tiny blood vessels inside the tooth, causing bleeding that darkens the tooth.
- Pulp necrosis: If blood supply is cut off, the nerve may die, leaving the tooth permanently discolored.
- Tooth decay: Untreated cavities can weaken the tooth structure and change its color.
- Enamel variations: Some children naturally have thinner enamel, which makes the underlying dentin appear darker after injury.
What To Do If Your Toddler Has a Grey Tooth
If your child’s tooth turns grey, schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist. Even if there is no pain, an exam can help determine whether the tooth is healthy or if the pulp has been injured.
Watch for any changes like swelling, redness, or tenderness around the tooth, these may be signs of infection that need prompt care.
Treatment Options for Grey Baby Teeth
Not all grey teeth require treatment, but your child’s dentist may recommend:
- Monitoring: If the tooth is stable and only slightly discolored, regular checkups may be enough.
- Pulpotomy (nerve treatment, baby root canal): If the pulp is partially damaged, this procedure can preserve the tooth and protect oral health.
- Extraction: If the tooth is badly infected or causing problems for nearby teeth, removal may be best.
- Crowns: For visible front teeth, tooth-colored crowns can restore a natural look while maintaining function.
Tips to Protect Your Child’s Smile
Although a grey tooth often happens after an injury, good dental habits can still support strong, healthy teeth overall.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day using a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Schedule the first dental visit by age 1 and keep up with regular checkups.
- Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle to reduce the risk of decay.
- Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports or active play.
- See a pediatric dentist right away if your child experiences any dental trauma.
Expert Pediatric Dental Care in Southwest Ranches, FL
If your toddler’s tooth is turning grey, our team at Akoya Pediatric Dentistry can help. We’ll identify the cause, monitor changes, and provide the right care to protect your child’s developing smile.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
FAQs
Can a grey baby tooth be saved?
If the pulp is still healthy, the tooth can typically be monitored without treatment intervention. If the tooth becomes symptomatic, has pain, or infection, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Will a grey baby tooth turn white again?
Unlikely, but sometimes can. If the grey tooth is from mild trauma and the blood flow recovers, the color may fade. If the pulp is injured, the grey color is usually permanent
Is a grey tooth always serious?
Not always. Some teeth remain stable until they exfoliate, or fall out, naturally on their own), but it’s important to see a dentist to rule out infection or pulp damage.
Is there a pediatric dentist near me in Southwest Ranches?
Akoya Pediatric Dentistry in Southwest Ranches, FL provides comprehensive pediatric dental care for children of all ages. Call (954) 799-6212 to schedule an appointment.
