Are Yellow Teeth Still Considered Healthy?
If we asked you to tell us what color you think healthy teeth should be, we bet many of you would say a nice, pearly white. Well, it’s actually a little bit trickier than that. Yellow teeth have earned a bit of a bad reputation, especially in our society where a shiny, white smile is the ideal. Let’s dive into the facts!
The Deal with Enamel & Dentin
To understand the color of teeth, it’s important to understand the different layers of a tooth. The outside layer is called the enamel. This strong layer is a blueish white color and is also a bit translucent. Below the enamel is the dentin. Dentine is a hard tissue with a naturally yellow color. So when you look at teeth, they might have a slight yellow tinge to them because the dentin’s color is showing through the enamel’s translucent layer.
When Yellow Isn’t Bad
If your teeth are more of an off-white or yellowish-white, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhealthy. That could just be their natural state! Contrary to popular opinion, teeth the bright white of piano keys is not in fact the norm. Someone with extremely white teeth might have undergone numerous teeth bleaching procedures, giving them a brighter smile. Keep in mind that it’s always best to come see us to whiten your teeth professionally rather than risking it with at-home remedies or going with unreliable store-bought products. With our cosmetic dentistry services, you can be sure we’re looking after not just the appearance of your smile, but its health too.
Natural Teeth Color vs. Staining
Another important thing to note is that not ALL yellow teeth are healthy. It completely depends on where that yellowing is coming from. Bad oral hygiene, tobacco products, certain medications, certain foods and beverages, and the aging process can all cause discoloration or yellowing of teeth. If the yellow color is coming from plaque or tartar buildup, then it goes without saying that your teeth are not in great condition.
We Can Safely Brighten Your Smile!
If you have yellow teeth and are not sure of the cause, come by Three Creek Dentistry so we can take a look and see what’s going on. If you decide you’d like to lighten the color of your teeth, we’re happy to go over our safe, effective professional teeth whitening treatments. Simply coming in for your routine dental cleanings can also help you maintain a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to learn more!