For what seems like an eternity, we have been programmed to believe that having bright, white teeth means you are healthy. On the other hand, your teeth can become discolored for various reasons. A number of factors, including an underlying medical condition, poor dental hygiene practices, the foods you eat, and the medications you take, may have contributed to the discoloration of your teeth. Continue reading to learn about different tooth colors and what they may mean.
Different Teeth Colors and Their Significance
The part of the teeth that actually changes color is the enamel. Changes in the amount of enamel that protects your teeth from pigmentation caused by food can cause surface stains, leading to tooth discoloration. Tobacco use can also cause surface stains. Several studies have revealed that there are basically four common tooth colors. Here are the different tooth colors and what they may mean medically.
1. White Teeth
While many people believe having white teeth is the ultimate indicator of good oral hygiene and healthy gums, good dental health is much more than that. White teeth may not show visible signs of tooth decay because some areas are hidden from view and may go unnoticed. Without regular checkups, bacteria behind your teeth can grow and cause damage and discoloration to the rest of your teeth.
Furthermore, pearly whites could be a sign of excessive care and cleaning. Excessive fluoride application may result in the formation of white spots or streaks on your teeth.
2. Yellow Teeth
According to the findings of several dental studies, having yellow teeth is not only an indication of strong and healthy teeth, but it is also the most common tooth color on the planet. Yellow is the natural color of the dentin that lies beneath the enamel, which is a blueish-white coating on the outside of the teeth.
This is true even if you want your teeth to be as white as possible. Because enamel is naturally transparent, the slight shade of yellow becomes more visible, resulting in the yellow-tinted teeth that many of us have.
Don’t be concerned if your teeth have a slight yellow tint; this indicates that you have a strong and healthy set of teeth.
3. Blue or Gray Teeth
Some people are born with blue or gray teeth because that is their natural color. On the other hand, certain conditions may cause tooth discoloration and indicate a dental problem caused by antibiotic exposure.
Blue or gray teeth could indicate a dead tooth. A strong and healthy tooth will have a significant number of living nerves and pulp. The bluish color of the outer tooth could suggest that the nerves and pulp inside the tooth have died. Teeth can die and change color due to infection, trauma, or simple decay.
4. Brown Teeth
Various factors may contribute to tooth darkening, including genetics, age, and regular consumption of dark foods and beverages. The leading cause of brown teeth, particularly, is an unhealthy lifestyle brought on by smoking. When you use nicotine or tobacco products that contain staining particles, the small holes in your teeth will eventually absorb these substances.
If your teeth are brown, you should be concerned. Brown teeth indicate that they have been heavily stained and have progressed from a dark yellow to an intense brown hue. It indicates poor oral health or potential medical issues hidden beneath the surface.
Final Thoughts
There are a few other tooth colors. However, these are the most well-known. Smoking, chewing tobacco, allowing plaque to build up on your teeth, allowing tooth decay to occur, eating candy and other sugary treats, and consuming citrus fruits can all have an effect on the color of your teeth.
Regardless of the factors that influence the color of your teeth, it is possible to lighten them even further. Please contact Adventure Orthodontics today to learn more about different teeth colors and what they mean, as well as how to improve your dental health.