Are White Teeth Healthy Teeth?

Some people equate a bright, white smile to good oral health. This may or may not be the case. Just because someone’s teeth are white does not mean they are healthy. Let’s take a closer look at why most people don’t have pearly white teeth.

Why Are Teeth Yellow?

Many people assume that yellow teeth are due to stains from dark foods or drinks, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. This may be true in some cases, especially when teeth are a darker yellow or a brownish color, but teeth naturally have a yellowish tint to begin with. This is because of the dentine, or the bony part of your tooth that is beneath the enamel. Dentine has a yellow hue, and since enamel is a semi-translucent bluish white, the yellow is still visible.

Whitening Yellow Teeth

Having your teeth be too white may be more of a problem than having yellow teeth. If teeth are naturally a whiter color, you’ve gotten lucky! However, over-bleaching or using abrasive methods to whiten your teeth can wear down the enamel and leave teeth susceptible to more damage. That is why it is important to consult your dentist about whitening your teeth, and review the options to determine which method is best for you.

If you’re considering whitening your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Leonard. Call our office at 952-443-3368.