Without a doubt, bright white teeth are beautiful. They can give the impression that you are youthful and successful. However, appearances can be deceptive in some cases. Even if your teeth are white and attractive, you should not automatically assume that they are healthy. Only a dentist can give you a truly accurate picture of your oral health. In this blog post, you will learn what tooth color does (and does not) say about your oral health.
What the Color of Your Teeth Says
The color of your teeth can give certain indications about your oral health. For example, if you have spots on your teeth that are very dark, you might have some significant decay. If an entire tooth is dark, it could have an infection in its pulp and require emergency care. Extremely yellow teeth might be caused by bad habits that should be changed, such as smoking or tobacco use.
White spots on your teeth might not mean anything bad; they could just be dental fluorosis, a harmless condition caused by the overuse of fluoride during the formation of your teeth.
If you are ever concerned about changes in the color of your teeth, you should certainly visit your dentist to get a professional opinion.
What the Color of Your Teeth Does Not Say
White teeth certainly look healthy, and in many cases, they are! However, there are some key points that you should keep in mind:
- Teeth are not naturally pure white. If your teeth are slightly yellow, grayish, or bluish, that does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Your genetics, the thickness of your enamel, your age, and your diet can all affect the color of your teeth without having a huge impact on your oral health.
- Using whitening products does not improve your oral health. Teeth whitening products are intended to have cosmetic benefits. With proper use, they are unlikely to harm your teeth, but they are certainly not a way to make up for a lack of proper oral care habits, such as a balanced diet, a thorough oral hygiene routine, and regular preventive dental visits. Also, keep in mind that overuse of whitening products can damage your enamel.
- Dental problems can be sneaky. Even if your teeth are a nice color, that does not automatically mean they are healthy. Cavities and other problems can start out very subtly and might not have any visible signs in their early ages.
The color of your teeth can say a lot — or it might say very little! Consult a dentist to find out if your oral health needs improvement.
Meet the Practice
At Orbis Dental Group in San Antonio, we are pleased to provide a wide range of services for our community, including preventive care, cosmetic treatments, and more. If you have questions or concerns about the color of your teeth, we would be happy to assist you. Contact our office at 210-496-1919.