Do you like the color of your teeth? It is perfectly natural for teeth to become discolored over time from eating pigmented foods and aging. However, this is still something that many people find themselves self-conscious about. Have you ever thought about what the color of your teeth say about your lifestyle? Continue reading to learn more from a dentist in Medina about your tooth color and what you can do to brighten them up if you’re unhappy with it.
What Does Your Tooth Color Say About You?
Everyone has a unique smile. Here are some common tooth colors and what they might say about you:
- White: When you are still growing as a child, this is when your teeth look the whitest. Kids aren’t exposed to nearly as many pigmented foods and beverages, and primary teeth are more calcified than permanent teeth are. The layer of the tooth that is beneath the enamel, known as the dentin, is a much lighter yellow color in baby teeth rather than adult teeth, so they do not show through as much.
- Light-Gray or Light-Yellow: Permanent teeth aren’t as naturally white as baby teeth because of the tooth’s structure. The dentin is more yellow, and the enamel darkens as you age. Ultimately, when the dentin begins to show through your teeth over time, your teeth are likely to end up this light-gray or light-yellow color.
- Yellow: Even though your teeth become darker as you age, if yours appear to be more on the yellow side, this probably means that they have become stained by the foods and drinks you are consuming. If you like to drink coffee, tea, or red wine on a regular basis, this can occur.
- Brown: If your teeth are brown, this is likely the result of yellow stains worsening. This can happen as a result of age, injuries, medication, and genetics. Some common culprits are smoking and chewing tobacco.
What Can You Do to Reverse Discoloration?
In addition to brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, you can opt for teeth whitening. When you purchase tooth whitening kits over the counter, you aren’t usually left with the gorgeous results that you’re looking for. Instead, you are better off asking your dentist about professional take-home whitening kits. Your dentist will first check your smile for any oral health issue and then you will be given custom trays and a whitening agent that is more powerful than anything you can find in stores. This way, you can show off a smile that is noticeably whiter in just a couple of weeks.
If you struggle with discoloration, talk to your dentist about it. Teeth whitening may be the right solution for you. This way, you can show off your pearly whites with pride!
About the Author
Dr. Allan J. Milewski is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education in order to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment at his office in Medina, visit his website or call (330) 725-2242.