Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/12/2009

Question
Hi .. I have a 2yr old and have an appointment to take him to the dentist besides the fact its due to see a dentist, he has the best straight teeth for a toddler.but he all of a sudden one of his front teeth is a shade of gray I don't recall him hitting it and he does brush his teeth, actually I do... but just wanted to ask your opinon of this problem ... thank you for your time..... happy holidays....

Answer
Christina - A gray discoloration of a tooth is usually from a contact, internally within the tooth, with blood.  The most comon cause is trauma to produce a bruise like discoloration of the tooth.  This can be from even the mildest trauma if it is directed to the tip of the crown of the tooth.  The key thing to be aware of, is the discoloration is often due to bleeding within the nerve canal and it can mean that the nerve within the tooth is dying from the minor trauma.   If your child has not be examined yet by a pedodontist (pediatric dentist), I think it would a good idea to arrange on.  I am not saying there is definitely a problem, but it is better to be aware early and be prepared for any potential problems in the future.