What Does the Color of Your Teeth Say About You?

One of the very first things that people will notice about you is your smile—so what is your smile saying about you? Are your teeth bright, white, and the epitome of healthy? Or is your smile stained, discolored, and slightly embarrassing? There are many things that can influence the color of your teeth, but your dentist can offer many viable solutions for whitening your smile and restoring your lost confidence. Keep reading to learn more about what the color of your teeth says about you and what you can do about it.

What Does the Shade of My Teeth Say About Me?

There are reasons for your teeth being a particular color:

• White – Your teeth are the whitest when you’re young and still growing, before you’ve had the chance to stain them with things like coffee and soda! Baby teeth are also more calcified than permanent teeth and contain dentin that is very light in color and easier to see through your translucent tooth enamel.
• Light grey or light yellow – Once your permanent teeth replace your baby ones, you’ll notice they’re darker than your baby teeth due to their structure. There is more dentin present in your permanent teeth, meaning it has a bigger impact on their shade. As you age, your dentin becomes darker and easier to see through your enamel. However, good oral hygiene can help offset this.
• Dark yellow – Even though your dentin darkens with age, your teeth usually become a darker shade of yellow because of staining. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly can combat this yellow plaque buildup, but without regular care, your teeth can become permanently stained.
• Brown – If your teeth appear brown, it’s usually the result of yellow stains worsening. However, things like age, injury, medication, and even genetics can cause your teeth to darken. Other common culprits include smoking and chewing tobacco. If you’re noticing brown spots on your teeth, rather than discoloration, visit your dentist immediately—this is a sign of tooth decay.

What Can I Do About Tooth Discoloration?

The absolute best thing you can do to combat tooth discoloration is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily can do a lot to ensure that plaque never has the chance to accumulate on your teeth and stain them. This also constitutes good oral habits like refraining from smoking and tobacco use, consuming a healthy diet, and avoiding sugary and acidic beverages that could potentially stain your teeth or lead to tooth decay.

You should also regularly visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings. They have access to special tools and equipment that can clean and polish your teeth incredibly well. They can also offer teeth whitening treatment options that can reverse an impressive amount of tooth discoloration, regardless of the cause.

Your teeth are important; not only do they allow you to talk, laugh, and eat your way through life, but they’re also a source of joy for you and those around you—especially if they’re sparkling white!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is proud to serve patients and families in the West Hartford community! Dr. Phadnis completed her dental doctorate at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, the Hartford Dental Society, and more. If you have any questions for Dr. Phadnis or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact her online or by phone: (860) 236-4249.