What Color Are Teeth Supposed to Be?

We bet that when people are asked what color they think their teeth are supposed to be, most would guess “white”. But the answer is not so simple! In modern times, having stunningly white teeth has become a goal of many patients. This goal is reflected in the abundance of teeth whitening products lining grocery and pharmacy shelves, as well as the prevalence of do-it-yourself whitening fads promoted online. The problem is, there are some misconceptions about just how white teeth should actually be.

Variety of Unique Shades

For starters, there are four basic shade groups for teeth: reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray, and reddish gray. Crazy, right? Each of those shades has a range from light to dark. The color of your teeth depends on your genetics and enamel thickness. When you have thinner enamel, more of the yellowish dentin underneath comes through. So, not everyone falls on the same scale or is starting out at the same baseline.

Connection Between Color & Health

Having white teeth doesn’t always mean that your teeth are perfectly healthy, and having yellow teeth doesn’t always mean that your teeth are unhealthy. It’s important to look into what exactly is attributing to the color. For instance, you could have yellowish teeth due to a buildup of plaque from poor oral hygiene and your dietary choices, from teeth grinding, or because that’s simply your genetically predetermined shade.

Rule of Thumb

When it comes to whitening your teeth, there can be such a thing as “too white”. You may think you want the whitest shade possible, but it could end up looking unnatural. A good rule of thumb is to use the whites of your eyes as a guide. You don’t want to go whiter than that and risk your teeth looking fake! But even boosting your teeth one or two shades can make a world of difference.

Achieve a Healthy Smile Here at True Dental!

At True Dental, we’ll first make sure your teeth are clean and healthy with a professional dental cleaning and examination. If you struggle with teeth grinding and clenching that is thinning your enamel, we can fit you with a nightguard to protect your enamel from further erosion. Then we can help you figure out a plan to get you to an attractive yet natural-looking shade with our teeth whitening services, porcelain veneers, or Lumineers^®. Just contact our Odenton dental office to get started.

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