Healthy Teeth Color – What Your Dental Color Says About You
While many ads and commercials glorify pearly white teeth, it is essential to remember that teeth darken by nature as they get older. The dentin, the complex inner part of the teeth, is mainly responsible for their color. As we age, enamel, the thin outer covering of teeth, can also affect the appearance of teeth. While genes cause the color of teeth to vary from individual to individual and even from tooth to tooth, other significant aspects are age and diet plan.
Are Yellow Teeth An Indication Of Poor Oral Health?
Are you worried about the health of your teeth because they are not white? Many people believe that yellow teeth are an indication of an unhealthy smile and poor oral health. Though it is understandable to desire whiter teeth, it does not suggest any harm is occurring to your dental health or regular dental care if your teeth are somewhat yellowish.
Natural Enamel Density & Clarity
Enamel is found on the surface of every tooth and is a natural white color. The underlying dentin layer has a somewhat yellowish color. This yellowish color appears through the enamel in virtually all people, but more so in those who have naturally thinner or more transparent enamel. Your yellow teeth could be pretty typical because of your genes!
White Teeth
At the most youthful stage of your life, your teeth are at their whitest. Have you ever discovered how white infants’ teeth are? It’s not even because infants rarely consume tooth-staining beverages like coffee, but because baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) are more calcified than long-term teeth. And because the dentin in baby teeth is highly light yellow – practically white – minimal color comes through the clear white enamel.
Light Gray Or Light Yellow Teeth
When long-term teeth change your baby teeth, you’ll see that your smile isn’t as white as it used to be. Irreversible teeth are naturally darker than primary teeth because of their tooth structure. Long-term permanent teeth may have an increased amount of dentin compared to their direct counterparts, suggesting that dentin influences the color of the permanent teeth more dramatically. And because dentin darkens with age, it is most likely to show through the enamel and make your healthy teeth color appear grayer or yellower.
Yellow Teeth
Dentin darkens with age, but yellow teeth usually indicate that your enamel has been discolored by what you consume and ingest. Coffee, tea, and red, white wine has effective pigments that bond with your enamel and change the color of your teeth. Likewise, plaque can accumulate, making your teeth yellow and unclean. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits can usually eliminate yellow plaque buildup, but gradually, without regular care, plaque can discolor your teeth completely.
Brown Teeth
When your teeth appear brown, it’s usually the result of yellow stains getting worse. Age, injury, medications, and even genes can cause teeth to darken. All too common culprits of brown discoloration are smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. If you still see brown spots on your teeth, you should make an appointment with your dentist, which can be a sign of tooth decay.
Reversing Discoloration
First, talk to your dentist about your alternatives if you are interested in whitening your teeth. Specifically tailored to your teeth, your dentist can recommend the safest, most efficient method to attain a healthy teeth color. Because whitening can trigger tooth and gum sensitivity, your dentist might prevent this treatment if you currently have sensitive teeth. Furthermore, if you have fillings, teeth, or crowns discolored by prescription antibiotics, whitening will usually not work. The majority of dental insurance plans may not cover dental whitening procedures.
Alternative Whitening Approaches For Healthy Teeth Color
Teeth whitening is not your only choice if you want sharp, healthy-looking teeth. Try adopting a few of these practices to improve your smile:
Don’t chew or smoke tobacco.
Brush twice a day.
Floss your teeth every day.
Perform regular dental cleanings.
In general, it’s best not to overdo it with tea, coffee, or alcohol.
Consume plenty of water daily.
Consume a balanced, healthy diet plan.
Lifestyle Elements For Healthy Teeth Color
Genes play a significant role in the base color of your teeth, but your lifestyle habits also influence the color of your teeth. Other elements that contribute to thin enamel or extreme discoloration are:
Bruxism (or teeth grinding).
Charcoal in the brush.
Brushing with lemon juice and baking soda.
Using too much pressure when brushing.
Using a toothbrush with medium or soft bristles (we recommend soft bristles!).
Consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, and dark-colored sodas.
A diet loaded with sweets, citrus fruits, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes.
Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes.
Plaque buildup.
Dental caries.
How To Reduce Further Yellowing
In addition, it is possible to minimize yellowing by taking the following steps:
Moderate your intake of foods and drinks that tend to trigger damage and discoloration.
Consume plenty of water, especially foods and beverages that cause discoloration.
Stop smoking cigarettes.
Getting a night guard for teeth grinding may help you.
Be sure to brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
Healthy Teeth Color
Sources: