Does The Color Of Your Teeth Define Their Health?

It’s become commonplace for smiles to be full of bright white teeth, but just because they look healthy doesn’t necessarily mean they are. And if you worry about people noticing your less-than-pearly whites, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief because you’re probably doing better than you think. The color of your teeth comes from two separate layers:

• the outer enamel, which is more white or translucent,
• and the inner dentine, which is more yellow.

This can vary by person, starting with their genetics. Where one family seems to have very white teeth, another may not, but they can both still have healthy mouths.

Damage From Whiteners

For those who are dedicated to having that spotless smile, whitening products could be causing damage to your teeth, especially when overused. The chemicals in whitening toothpaste or natural whiteners like acidic foods target the dentine (yellow) layer in your teeth, wearing down the hard enamel meant to protect them and keep them healthy. But if you still prefer to have that white smile, you can supplement your revised whitening routine with the omission of things that cause your teeth to yellow.

Discoloration of Teeth

There are many things that can contribute to discoloration of the teeth from foods you eat to poor dental hygiene and medications or medical conditions. Yellowing often happens as you age, too. If you worry about discoloration, be mindful of which foods and drinks can stain your teeth, like coffee, alcohol, or tobacco, and limit or eliminate their consumption. The best care you can give your mouth is daily brushing and flossing along with regular visits to your dentist. Sure, your teeth may sport a bit of that toothy yellow, but when all is said and done, it’s completely normal. As long as your teeth and gums are well cared for, you have nothing to worry about.