What is the natural color of teeth?
To determine the color of teeth, dentists use the VITA scale, which consists of 16 different shades: from light yellow to gray-brown. Patients often mistakenly believe that only very light teeth are a sign of health, but any shade within the scale is considered normal.
In fact, healthy tooth color depends on the structure and composition of the tooth, which consists of three main layers: enamel, dentin and pulp.
Enamel is the hardest and most wear—resistant material in the human body. It is transparent, but its thickness affects the perception of tooth color. Hard enamel makes teeth whiter, but if it becomes thinner, the natural color of the dentine begins to shine through, which makes the teeth appear more yellow.
Dentin is located under the enamel and has a yellowish or light brown tint. It is its color that determines the overall shade of the tooth, and if you want to change the color of the teeth, you need to take into account the condition of the dentin.
The pulp is the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. If it is injured (for example, when a nerve is removed), this may lead to discoloration of the tooth.
What other factors affect the color of teeth?
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Food and drinks. For example, tea, coffee, red wine, and some berries can stain teeth.
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Smoking. Nicotine and tobacco tar can lead to plaque formation on teeth.
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Insufficient oral hygiene. Teeth often change color due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
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Some medications can cause discoloration of the tooth, especially if they are taken in childhood.
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Injuries and bumps can cause teeth to darken due to pulp damage.
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Some diseases, such as fluorosis, can also affect the color of teeth.
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Genetics. Heredity determines the shade of enamel and dentin.
Myths about the natural color of teeth
"Snow—white teeth are necessarily healthy teeth"
This is not always the case. Teeth with a natural yellowish tinge can be completely healthy and strong.
"All teeth should be the same color"
Another misconception. In fact, the natural color of teeth can vary from tooth to tooth if there are noticeable differences in enamel thickness and dentin staining intensity.
"Teeth whitening is harmful to enamel"
Many are afraid of this, however, when performing professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist, the procedure is safe for enamel.
Tips for preserving the natural color of teeth
Unfortunately, the color of teeth changes irreversibly over time. There is no remedy that will miraculously restore the color of your teeth that you had as a child. But you can slow down the process of changing the shade of your teeth by following simple recommendations.
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Review your diet. To preserve the natural whiteness of your smile, limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Include more crunchy vegetables and fruits in your diet, such as apples and carrots. They will help to clean teeth naturally and stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to remove food residues and bacteria.
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Give up smoking. Smoking is one of the main enemies of a snow—white smile. Nicotine and tar contained in tobacco form a persistent yellow or brown plaque on the teeth, which is difficult to remove even by professional brushing and teeth whitening.
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Take good care of your mouth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a brush and paste, and also use dental floss. This is a basic but extremely important step. Complement the care by using mouthwash to remove food residues and freshen your breath.
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Visit your dentist regularly. Preventive examinations and professional cleaning of teeth will help in maintaining their health and color. In addition, the dentist will promptly identify and eliminate problems that may affect the color of teeth.
When do I need to whiten my teeth?
If you feel that the color of your teeth is not what it used to be, or you want to make your smile even more dazzling, teeth whitening can help you. You can start with a professional ultrasonic cleaning, which will remove yellowish plaque and tartar, returning radiance to your smile. But if that's not enough for you, you can resort to teeth whitening.
In modern dentistry, there are many methods of teeth whitening, but almost all of them work on the same principle. The dentist uses highly concentrated whitening gels that are activated by a special light or laser. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour and may require several sessions.
Your doctor can also offer you home whitening kits. They include individually selected mouthguards and whitening gel. This method is no less effective than office bleaching systems and can serve to maintain the result.
Teeth whitening performed under the supervision of a dentist is absolutely safe. The results of bleaching can last from six months to two years, depending on your lifestyle and habits. But before you start bleaching, it is important to get checked by a dentist. A specialist will assess the condition of your teeth and suggest the most appropriate method, as well as give recommendations on care. It is important to understand that the task of a doctor is not to give you a snow—white smile, but to return your teeth to their natural color, which will look harmonious and attractive.
Don't put off taking care of your smile for later. Make an appointment for a consultation at Olympus Clinics — our specialists are ready to help you maintain or improve the color of your teeth. Allow yourself the luxury of having a healthy and radiant smile that will delight you and others every day!