Nowadays, it seems like most people will do anything to achieve a beautiful, bright smile. Studies that it can significantly improve your quality of life by making you feel happier and more confident. However, while white teeth may certainly look great, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re healthy teeth. Here’s what you should know about the color of your smile.
What Color Is a Healthy Smile?
Contrary to popular belief, a white smile doesn’t always mean a healthy smile. In fact, healthy teeth can have a natural shade that ranges somewhere between yellow and white. The outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) is a blue-white color, while the middle layer (the dentin) is a light-yellow tinge. If you have a dense layer of dentin and sufficient enamel, your teeth should be natural, off-white, slightly yellowed shade.
It’s worth noting that the color is also influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, age, and oral hygiene. Aging, in particular, is one of the primary causes behind a darkening grin. Over time, the enamel gets thinner, and the dentin becomes thicker and darker. As a result, it becomes more apparent and results in yellow-looking teeth – it by no means indicates that they’re unhealthy!
Can Dental Problems Affect the Color of Your Smile?
Some people are under the assumption that discolored teeth means there’s something wrong with them. However, that’s only true to a certain extent. Oral health issues like gum disease, teeth grinding (bruxism), and tooth decay usually won’t affect the color of your teeth at all. Unless you regularly attend your routine dental checkups, you might not even know you have these problems until it’s too late! That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist bi-annually. Your smile can look as bright as ever but still have underlying issues that require dental treatment.
Tips to Maintain a White Smile
Do you want a brighter grin? Fortunately, there are many safe and natural ways you can maintain a white smile and prevent further discoloration:
- Stay away from foods and drinks that stain teeth. Red wine, soda, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and blueberries are just a few foods and drinks well-known for staining. It’s a good idea to limit your consumption to prevent darkening your grin.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing every day is the key to maintaining bright, healthy pearly whites. It helps eliminate residual foods, drinks, and bacteria that can stain your teeth. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth after every meal and clean your tongue after brushing!
- Ask your dentist about teeth whitening. Are you dead set on undergoing teeth whitening treatment? Instead of using over-the-counter products, consult with your dentist! Most clinics of professional treatment that can give you dramatically brighter results in no time.
Don’t be alarmed if your teeth aren’t naturally paperwhite – it’s completely normal and does not indicate they’re unhealthy. By taking good care of your smile, you can ensure it remains as healthy as possible for years to come!
About the Practice
Our team at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry offers world-class, exceptional, and personalized dental services that the entire family can enjoy. We go above and beyond to make sure every visit exceeds even your highest expectations. If you’re concerned about the color of your smile, our skilled dental professionals can perform a thorough examination to assess your oral health. Visit our website or contact our office to schedule a checkup.