White teeth have a very light shade of yellow and are the healthiest type of teeth. The colour of these teeth comes from a combination of genetics and the amount of time you spend brushing your teeth each day. Slightly yellow teeth have a mild yellow tinge that is barely noticeable.
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.
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.
Underneath that enamel is the dentin, which is a hard, bony tissue that happens to have a yellowish tint. A Science Focus writer even believes that slightly yellow teeth are stronger than naturally white ones, because it suggests a healthy amount of that vital tissue.
Another important thing to note is that not ALL yellow teeth are healthy. It completely depends on where that yellowing is coming from. Bad oral hygiene, tobacco products, certain medications, certain foods and beverages, and the aging process can all cause discoloration or yellowing of teeth.
In most cases, yellow teeth are considered unattractive and, at times, can be mistaken for poor oral hygiene.
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.
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.
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.
Some people are born with whiter, thicker enamel and may simply be blessed with great looking teeth. This is not necessarily an indication of how healthy teeth are: it's just genetics. Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, or the which is usually yellowish.
Even though the choice is ultimately up to you, a good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure your teeth aren't any whiter than the whites of your eyes for the most natural appearance.
In studies done comparing people with decayed teeth, people with teeth in natural shades, and people with whitened teeth, people with white teeth were viewed in the most positive light. Americans place significant importance on physical appearance as a reflection of the type of person that you are.
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.
A yellow smile can make your teeth appear dull, aged and even unhealthy. And, with some causes attacking your tooth enamel, you could also be opening up the floodgates to oral health problems in the future, such as dental carries (cavities) and even tooth loss.
However some people have teeth appearing naturally yellow irrespective of the kind of foods they have. It is because the dentin layer beneath the enamel is naturally yellow. The color of the dentin is barely visible for some while in others who have thinner enamel the yellow shade appears more visible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reader's Digest quoted Adriana Manso, a clinical professor in UBC's faculty of dentistry, for an article about how whitening agents weaken teeth. He said “bleaching products contain hydrogen peroxide that diffuses through the enamel.
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
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.
Frequently drinking wine, tea, or coffee and eating certain staining foods affects the shade of your tooth enamel. These foods and beverages leave color particles on your tooth's surface that penetrate your tooth enamel over time, leaving you with yellow or dull-looking teeth.
While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar. Dental plaque develops due to bacteria in the mouth combined with food byproducts and proteins.