The natural color of teeth varies considerably from one person to another. In fact, white is not a natural color for any set of teeth. Expecting to have completely white teeth (naturally) is an impossible dream. However, Teeth Whitening in Midwest City OK can provide people with a smile they long for.
Dental colors
The natural hues of teeth are grouped into four families:
- Auburn or reddish-brown
- Yellow-reddish
- Gray
- Gray-reddish
This palette represents the dental colors of the vast majority of the world’s population. Several factors can influence the color of teeth. The main factors are listed below.
The natural color of teeth varies with age
The color of teeth differs significantly from person to person and becomes darker with age. Indeed, as people age, their dentin (located under the enamel and naturally more yellowish) is more and more exposed because of the gradual thinning of the enamel layer that protects the teeth. Teeth can also become more yellow or grayish over time.
Tobacco
Two substances contained in cigarettes are mainly known for creating brownish stains:
- Tar (dark)
- Nicotine (naturally colorless but becomes yellow in reaction with oxygen)
Consumption of drinks and colorful foods
Drinks and colored foods contain chromogens (colored pigments), which are responsible for staining teeth. They are found, among others, in the following products:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark soft drinks
- Dark fruit juices (grapes, cranberries, etc.)
- Tomato soup
- Curry
- Beets
Oral habits
Properly brushing your teeth and scheduling routine visits to a dentist can delay the appearance of dental stains. Some antihistamines (used to counter allergy symptoms), antipsychotics (used to treat specific mental health problems), high blood pressure medications, and tetracycline (an antibiotic used to treat acne and bronchitis) can stain teeth. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment of the head and neck can also cause a change in the color of teeth.
Indirect factors
Some indirect factors may also influence how a person perceives the color of his or her teeth. The darker the skin of a person, the more his or her teeth will look white. The color of the lips and gums can also influence the whiteness of a smile. It’s a question of contrast! To learn more, click here. You can also follow them on Twitter.
