You might find many bright smiles as you walk on the streets of San Diego. It may make one wonder why some people have so much brighter teeth than others. Even the members of the same family can have different shades of teeth. This is because a mix of factors affect your teeth, including your genetics and lifestyle habits.
Your natural tooth color is partly decided by your DNA, just like your hair and skin color. However, unlike some genetic traits, you can make an effort to control your teeth color. It helps to learn about what can affect the color of your teeth so you can gain more control. The thickness of your enamel, the outer protective layer, also plays a big role in your tooth color.
These things may sound complicated, especially for a non-professional. However, taking some time out to understand your dental health can help you get better. If you have questions about your teeth color or want to do something about your stains, visit a dentist in Pacific Beach, San Diego, today.
Genetics and tooth color
Genetics plays an important role in determining the natural color of your teeth. Your genes determine the color of your enamel, the outermost layer, and the dentin, the layer underneath. Your enamel is usually translucent, and the color of dentin is yellow.
If you have a thinner layer of enamel, the dentine will show up. This can give your teeth a darker or yellowish appearance. On the other hand, if you have thicker enamel, your tooth will look white as the enamel will cover the darker dentin.
Moreover, genetics may also affect how much your enamel reflects light, which can influence how white your teeth look. Some people genetically have an opaque enamel while others have translucent.
Lifestyle and diet
Your lifestyle habits and the food you eat may also decide the color of your teeth. If you smoke or love to drink items like tea, coffee, or wine, it can cause your enamel to stain. These substances contain various pigments that can stick to the surface of your teeth and cause discoloration.
People who stay away from these items often have a more healthy and white smile. Eating foods rich in nutrients, like apples, milk, carrots, spinach, etc., can help keep your teeth clean and white. These foods can naturally scrub your teeth while eating and wash away harmful bacteria from your mouth.
Moreover, they also increase saliva production, which protects your teeth against decay and makes them look white and bright.
Oral hygiene practices
Good oral hygiene is also important. It keeps your mouth healthy and maintains the whiteness of your teeth. Brushing daily helps you remove bacteria and plaque that can lead to discoloration.
Do not forget flossing. It cleans between teeth where a toothbrush may not reach. This can also prevent plaque buildup, which results in whiter teeth.
Moreover, professional cleaning is also important to remove tartar, which can make your teeth dull and yellow over time. Fluoride contains important minerals that make your enamel strong and protect it against decay.
Whitening toothpaste is also a good option for removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, etc. You should also visit your dentist regularly to clean and maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth.
Environmental and health factors
Environmental and health factors may also decide the look of your teeth. For example, using certain antibiotics during childhood, like tetracycline, can cause permanent discoloration of your teeth.
This antibiotic can affect the formation of enamel and cause your teeth to turn yellow. Fluoride in drinking water can also influence your tooth color. No doubt fluoride is important for good oral health; however, its excessive use can be harmful.
It can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis, which can cause white streaks or spots on your teeth. These spots can make your teeth look less white.
Get whiter teeth today!
If you want whiter teeth, consult with a dentist today!
