White teeth are considered to be clean, flossed, and brushed. While yellow teeth are often thought to be unpleasant, unclean, and sick. Thus, people have formed a notion in their minds about whiter teeth being the healthier one.
A deeper shade of yellow teeth can be a symptom of disease and neglect, so there is some validity to this association. However, it does not necessarily indicate that your teeth are unhealthy if they are not as white as a napkin or as your piano keys.
Teeth And Gums
Although having white teeth can be attractive, but the state of the rest of your mouth is not usually defined by that. The general health of your mouth is greatly influenced by the function of your gums. If your gums are not taken care of, you may suffer from issues like gingivitis and tooth decay. So, instead of just concentrating on the colour of your teeth, it is crucial to focus on the overall health of your mouth by brushing and flossing every day.
Also Read: How Safe Is Teeth Whitening
Teeth And Their Colour
Despite the obsession with having whiter teeth, most healthy teeth have a tendency to be light yellowish in colour. Your teeth's enamel, the exterior layer, has a blue-white tint. Whereas, the dentin, the middle layer, is a dense tissue with a little yellow tint. This means that if you have enough enamel and a thick coating of dentin, which is healthy, your teeth would be off-white with a faint yellowish appearance.
Teeth Colour And Age
As people age, their teeth also begin to darken. Even those who consistently brush and floss twice a day may eventually notice changes to their teeth. Your dentin gets thicker and darker as you get older. As you age, the enamel on your teeth gets thinner, highlighting the dentin. Additionally, your teeth become stained over time from consuming meals, smoking, drinking coffee and tea, and other habits. Genetics may occasionally come into play; if your parents or grandparents had yellow teeth in their later years, there's a good chance you will develop them, too. However, this condition is not absolute.
This entire process of ageing is quite normal. Your teeth may be darker, but that in no way implies that they are less healthy. It is merely an additional method for tabulating and assessing your life experience.
Also Read: Debunking 5 Biggest Myths About Sugar And Your Teeth
Stained Teeth And Related Conditions
Even though a yellowing or darkening appearance isn't always a sign of a problem, but some discolourations could necessitate a visit to the dentist. If your teeth are darker than a light yellow shade, then you may be smoking heavily. This can lead to a number of oral health problems, like your enamel or dentin's colour can change as a result of some diseases, such as fluorosis.
An accumulation of bacteria or fungi may be the cause of green or orange stains on your teeth. This type of discolouration is typically treated by a thorough dental cleaning. In other conditions like porphyria, your teeth may develop red, black, or brown stains.
Conclusion
When dental hygiene is neglected and tooth whitening is treated as the primary indicator of health, people are tempted to spend a lot of money on potentially harmful whitening procedures. Thus, it is important to stick to your regular oral care routine. But if you suspect damaging changes in your mouth, immediately visit your dentist.
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