If you’re like most people, you probably believe teeth are always supposed to be white. That’s certainly the idea passed around by society, anyway. The truth, though, is that your teeth will naturally change color as you grow older. Plus, your preferred lifestyle will also affect the shade of your smile. As a result, your “pearly whites” may not look the same as your experiences and circumstances change. If you want to know more, look no further than your dentist in Portage. Read on to learn what the color of your teeth says about your life.
Pure White
Unless you get great dental work, your teeth will only be really white when you’re an infant.
Think about it: Have you ever noticed how bright and shiny baby teeth are? This color isn’t just because babies don’t drink coffee or wine. The reality is that baby or primary teeth are more calcified than permanent ones. Even their dentin —the tooth layer beneath enamel — is only light yellow, so it isn’t easily seen.
Light Gray or Light Yellow
Light gray or yellow is the default color of (relatively) healthy permanent teeth. Dentin makes up more of an adult’s tooth structure, meaning its yellow color has a stronger impact on your smile. The dentin layer darkens with age, too, so it’ll make your teeth more yellow as it becomes more visible.
Solid Yellow
If your teeth are a solid yellow color, chances are that they’re stained from foods and drinks. You’ve probably been drinking a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine, which have pigments that attach to enamel and alter tooth color.
At the same time, you could also be dealing with plaque buildup. If so, brushing, flossing, and dental visits can remove some of the yellow colorings. Without proper care, though, plaque can permanently stain your teeth.
Darkish Brown
Teeth usually turn brown when their yellow stains worsen. These marks can darken from age, injury, medication, and even genetics. Still, the typical culprits are habits like smoking and chewing tobacco.
Should you notice brown spots on your teeth, book an appointment with your local dental practice. It may be that you’re suffering from tooth decay.
As you can see, teeth don’t stay white on their own. For a bright smile, you must practice good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist in Portage.
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Concepts is based in Portage, IN. As headed by Drs. Hayes and Hansen, the practice combines high-quality dental care and top-tier customer service. Its staff thus offers a range of treatments, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency procedures. The office is also a certified provider of dental sedation and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them on their website or by phone at (219)-763-6878.