What Is The Natural Colour Of Teeth?

What is the natural colour of teeth? When you hear this question, you may have a probable answer, it’s "white." Countless toothpaste and cosmetic service advertisements have reiterated your belief it should be like the colour of paper.

You are not alone, and a vast majority of people think that the gleaming white teeth are healthy. In reality, you can’t get paper-white or the colour of your piano keys. Through teeth whitening solutions, cosmetic dentistry brings back the natural colour of your teeth.

The Natural Teeth Colour

Like the skin tone, the natural colour of teeth varies according to people. While a few are lucky to get pearly white teeth, the vast majority of people get darker hues of white.

Knowing the dental anatomy will help you to understand the colour of your teeth better. The outermost layer of teeth – the shining, tough layer – is enamel, and it has a bluish-white colour. Most importantly, the enamel is translucent, allowing to show through the inner layer.

The layer under the enamel is dentin, and it has a yellow colour. This is the reason why the natural colour of teeth in most people appear in darker or yellowish hues. Based on the thickness of enamel, your teeth may look whiter or darker. Teeth still appear as shades of white in most people but not as paper-white.

Usually, enamel wears off as the age advances, and this is the reason why the teeth of elders appear to be yellowish or darker.

Are Darker Teeth Unhealthy?

As long as your teeth have the natural colour, they are considered as healthy. However, the lifestyle, including eating and drinking habits, contribute to the colour of teeth. Also, oral hygiene can make your teeth look whiter or darker. If your teeth appear to be darker due to any of these factors, you should choose dental procedures to make your teeth healthier.

If you are unsure about the natural colour of your teeth, consult with your dentist. They will also check for staining issues, discolouration, plaque, and anything else that affect your oral health. They may also suggest treatments that can bring back the natural colour of your teeth.

Your Lifestyle And Oral Hygiene Matter

Regardless of the natural colour of your teeth, give importance to your oral hygiene and lifestyle. Teeth become yellowish or stained due to lack of oral hygiene and lifestyle.

Try to

• Brush twice a day
• Floss once a day
• Quit smoking and the use of tobacco products
• Rinse mouth after every meal
• Minimise the consumption of coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks that can stain your teeth
• Go for regular dental check-ups – at least once every six months

Regular dental check-ups also help you to identify the triggers of various oral health issues and take preventive treatments before they actually appear.

Conclusion

It is riskier to take a call on the natural colour of your teeth and going ahead with over-the-counter whitening products. Get the assistance of a dentist by keeping your long term oral in mind.