Your teeth influence your appearance, confidence, and first impressions. A person with attractive teeth is perceived as youthful, successful, and intelligent. White teeth are also viewed as being healthy, but the color of your enamel isn’t a good indicator of your dental health. Teeth come in many shades and tones. Even a person with the most vibrant smile can have dental problems hiding in their mouth, while people with discolored teeth can have excellent oral health. Here’s why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to the color of your teeth.
Teeth Change Color Overtime
Genetics can affect the size, shape, and position of your teeth, but your family genes can also influence the color of your pearly whites. Not to mention, teeth change color over time from various factors, like poor oral hygiene or drinking a lot of coffee.
Your dazzling smile will also fade as the years pass from enamel loss caused by wear and tear. This causes more of your yellowish dentin to be visible. Although your teeth may look aged, that doesn’t mean they aren’t healthy.
Whether your teeth are white or yellow, you’re at risk of the same dental issues, including decay and gum disease.
Not All Dental Problems Are Visible
It can be impossible for an untrained eye to spot the early signs of oral health concerns. Enamel loss, infections, oral cancer, and many other issues can be hiding in your mouth, even if your teeth are white.
Not all problems are visible from the surface either, like bone loss. Only a dentist can provide early detection and treatment to keep your mouth healthy.
Commit to Healthy Teeth and Gums
You can support healthy teeth and gums while ensuring your smile stays its brightest by following a few tips:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Commit to brushing your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes and flossing every day.
- Limit Sugars and Starches: Cut back on sugars and starches, which feed cavity-causing bacteria.
- Moderate Dark Foods and Drinks: Moderate your consumption of dark foods and beverages to prevent staining.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Preventive dentistry stops various oral health issues and provides early detection. Your dentist can also reverse stains and discoloration with teeth whitening.
Don’t let the color of your teeth fool you. Practice good oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist regularly for a healthy mouth and a smile you’ll be proud of.
About Dr. Beverly Rose
Dr. Rose earned her dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education to provide specialty services, like cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. She is affiliated with the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Schedule an appointment through her website or call (321) 265-3286.