Why A White Smile Isn’t Always a Healthier Smile

Who doesn’t want a perfect white smile? Many people believe that having one will not only make them more attractive, but significantly boost their self-esteem. Well, studies have proven that having white teeth can improve your quality of life by making you feel happier and more confident. Although a bright set of pearly whites certainly looks great, it’s not necessarily healthier than a discolored set. With that in mind, here’s what you should know about the color of your smile.

What Color Is a Healthy Smile?

Believe it or not, just because a smile is white doesn’t mean it’s healthy. In fact, healthy teeth can have a natural shade that ranges between yellow and white. The outer layer of your teeth (enamel) is a blue-white color, while the middle layer (dentin) is a light-yellow tinge. People with a dense layer of dentin and sufficient enamel should have teeth that are an off-white and slightly yellowed shade.

Keep in mind that the color of your grin is influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, and oral hygiene. However, one of the main causes behind a darkening grin is aging. Over time, the enamel gets thinner, and the dentin becomes thicker and darker, resulting in yellow-looking teeth. That doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy though!

Can Oral Health Problems Affect the Color of Your Teeth?

Some people believe that discolored teeth are a sign of a problem. However, that’s only true to a certain extent. Oral health issues like gum disease, teeth grinding (bruxism), and tooth decay shouldn’t affect the color of your smile. You may not even realize you have those concerns until it’s too late! That’s why it’s incredibly important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Even if your pearly whites are looking shiny and bright, you could still have underlying issues that require professional attention.

Tips to Maintain a Bright, Healthy Smile

There are many ways you can maintain a bright smile and prevent further discoloration! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Limit your intake of dark-colored foods and drinks. Soda, tea, red wine, coffee, tomato sauce, and blueberries are just a few examples of items that can stain your teeth. By limiting your intake, you can keep your grin from darkening.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. These practices will help eliminate foods, drinks, and bacteria that can stain your teeth.
• Ask your cosmetic dentist about teeth whitening. If you want to dramatically improve the color of your smile, ask your dentist about professional whitening treatment. Your pearly whites will be several shades lighter in no time!

It’s completely normal if your teeth aren’t as white as snow – it doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy by any means. As long as you’re taking proper care of your smile, you can ensure your oral health remains in pristine condition for years to come!

About the Practice

At Blue Coast Dental, we are passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain their absolute best smiles. Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure you receive the quality dental care you deserve. To learn more about the color of your smile, visit our website or call (310) 424-3100.