Color Cues: The Meaning Behind Your Smile’s Shade

It’s normal to feel somewhat self-conscious about your smile if it isn’t as light as you’d like it to be. We often assume that if someone’s teeth are sparkling white, they must have great oral health. That’s because the shade of our grin communicates a lot to others about our dental habits and what is going on in our mouths. If your teeth are somewhat discolored, keep reading to learn more about what their current hue might mean!

Yellow Teeth

Our teeth are made of layers that have different tones at different times which means they’re not naturally pure-white. The most common color for most people has a slightly yellow tint. This is because the outer layer, enamel, is bright white but is also translucent enough to allow the yellow layer beneath it, or dentin, to shine through. As your enamel wears down throughout your life, your teeth will naturally darken to a certain degree. That means even perfectly healthy ones can appear off-white or yellow.

Of course, it’s also possible that your grin has been stained by foods you’ve consumed. Coffee, tea, wine, and berries are all common culprits that can discolor your teeth in time. Plaque can also leave them looking dingier than you’d like, so be sure to brush and floss twice every day to remove buildup.

Brown Teeth

Though your teeth might be naturally darker than you thought, if they start to look brown then it’s time to be concerned. Often, it’s indicative of using tobacco products like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. This can cause cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Not only that but if you have a dental infection that enters your bloodstream, it can spread to other areas and lead to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

You might also have an earthier smile due to age, an injury, certain medications, or genetics. If you notice brown spots, contact your dentist for an appointment to identify the problem and come up with a possible treatment plan.

Blue/Gray Teeth

There are a couple of reasons your tooth may look somewhat bluish-gray. In some cases, it’s because your tooth has died due to unhealthy nerves, infection, trauma, or decay. In other instances, though, it’s due to an antibiotic medication called Tetracycline. If you were exposed to this ingredient in utero or at an early age, it can create horizontal blue or grey stripes inside your tooth that cannot be brushed away.

If you’re worried about the condition of your grin, schedule an examination with your dentist. They’ll let you know if there are any areas of concern and will work with you to repair them. They know all the best ways to help restore your beautiful, bright smile!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you and the entire family benefit from multiple board-certified dental experts who provide a full range of services. With several convenient locations in the Dallas and Tarrant counties, you’re sure to find one close by. They use state-of-the-art technology to swiftly diagnose problems and develop effective, long-lasting treatments. If your teeth are discolored and you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (214) 234-8444.