White teeth are often perceived as being a sign of youthfulness, but they don't necessarily mean that teeth are healthy and strong. Dental health is about far more than just having a beautiful set of pearly whites.
Just as white teeth aren't necessarily healthy, off-colour teeth aren't necessarily bad either. Of course, in some cases discolouration can indicate decay or other disease, so it is worth getting stains checked out by a dentist.
Healthy teeth are usually off-white or slightly yellowed, and teeth naturally darken over time. But if you notice brown, black, or green stains on your teeth, you may have a chronic condition or need a thorough dental cleaning.
Myth #2: Yellow teeth are unhealthy.
Teeth that are not perfectly white can still be healthy. The teeth are considered unhealthy if their color is attributed to plaque buildup or staining. Having off-white teeth is often healthy.
There are various causes of white spots on teeth, such as excess fluoride, vitamin deficiency, infections and illnesses, trauma on teeth, poor dental hygiene, dental hypoplasia, and consuming many sugary or acidic foods and drinks, plaque, dry mouth, among others.
If you're at home and trying to decide if you're finished whitening or not, a good rule of thumb is that your teeth should be no whiter than the whites of your eyes. This is a good shade to aim for, as you can be sure it will look natural on you.
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.
Natural Enamel Thickness & Translucency
Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish color. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone, but more so for those with naturally thinner or more translucent enamel.
The strength of your teeth is not related to the color of your teeth. The color of your teeth is determined by the natural color of your dentin, the layer of tissue beneath your tooth enamel. The strength of your teeth is determined by the density of the enamel and the overall health of the tooth structure.
Healthy teeth are white or slightly off-white in color, with smooth surfaces and well-defined edges. They should also be free of chips, cracks, and visible cavities. The gum tissue surrounding the teeth should be pink and firm, with no signs of inflammation or bleeding.
A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.
When the enamel is eroded so badly, in its thinnest form your inner layer can be seen, dentin. Dentin has a natural yellow color. So, if your enamel is transparent enough to show your dentin, your teeth look yellow even if you brush them every day.
In a 2012 study, researchers learned that yellowed teeth downgraded a person's attractiveness. They believed this is because teeth are “ornaments” that can draw in potential suitors. When humans smile, we're like a colorful bird showing off its tail feathers.
The Cons of Teeth Whitening
Misuse of whitening products can damage different parts of your oral cavity, using too many abrasive products may thin the enamel of the teeth which will make them more prone to damage and decay.
As the study revealed that white teeth not only increased your attractiveness by 20% but knock years off your perceived age. The study also looked at different situations and the effect white teeth can have on the outcome. When it came to first dates, the number one turn off was discoloured teeth and bad breath.
What Happens if You Overbleach? While your teeth won't fall out if you bleach them too much, it doesn't mean you should do it too frequently. Those who overbleach often have an increased likelihood of decay, and overbleaching can cause side effects, such as temporary tooth sensitivity and pain.
Compare it to a facelift, which made people look an average of 4.6 years younger. And while a facelift doesn't increase your attractiveness at all, according to the survey, a whiter smile can also increase your attractiveness by 20%.
Your teeth should be a similar shade of white to the whites of your eyes. If your teeth are close in colour then you probably don't want to make them any whiter, as it could start to look artificial. On the other hand, if you find that your teeth are significantly darker, whitening may be a good choice for you.
You may not have realized this, but teeth are not meant to touch. It sounds odd, but think about it. They don't touch while you speak, smile or rest. Even when you chew, your teeth only have to be close enough to mash food, not necessarily touch.
Genetics Can Affect the Appearance of the Teeth
And in fact, genetics can impact the color of a person's teeth. Thicker, whiter enamel can run in families, just as more transparent tooth enamel can be inherited. Many people have genetically yellow teeth that don't respond well to store-bought whiteners or toothpastes.
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow? Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are typically performed no more than once per year. These treatments involve using powerful bleaching agents. Overdoing these treatments can lead to permanent damage being done to the enamel.
Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened in-office, or opt for the take-home trays, professional teeth whitening is the best choice for permanently whiter teeth. The quick and lasting results combined with an increased comfortability make the higher cost completely worth it.
The good news is that even though teeth whitening treatments can provide great results, it is not permanent. It can last for up to three years, however, this will vary from person to person.
Yes...and no. Very few people have pure, pristine white teeth. That's why those aforementioned celebrities' smiles often look so phony — they are whitened well beyond a "natural" shade. Most of us have a smile that runs the gamut from white to dark yellow or gray.