What Color Should My Teeth Be?

Choose the best shade of white for your teeth

If you have white teeth, you are more likely to flash a smile, and that’s a great thing! But just how white should your teeth be? There are many reasons that people desire white teeth. Both personally and professionally, a bright white smile tells others that you are friendly, willing to communicate, and non-threatening.

Your smile welcomes others and comforts them when needed. Your smile also exhibits confidence in those you meet. There are some surprising facts about smiles, too – they can boost your mood and even help you to live longer.

How white should white teeth be?

Believe it or not, there are shades of white that are just too white for teeth. Remember that episode in season six of Friends where Ross gets his teeth whitened, but things go a bit too far? In this case, Ross is best served to keep his mouth closed rather than flashing his nearly psychedelic white teeth to his current love interest.

The best way to determine the right white for your teeth is to start by looking at the whites of your eyes. Just like there are different shades of teeth, there are different shades of eye whites too. So if you are thinking of whitening your teeth at home or undergoing professional teeth whitening from your dentist, aim for a shade that is similar to the whites of your eyes.

There is no set color when it comes to your teeth, but  blinding bright white is not natural and shouldn’t be what you are striving for. If the rule of thumb when it comes to matching your white teeth to your eyes doesn’t work for you, it might be helpful for you to refer to a dental shade guide which can help you know the current shade of your teeth. Most guides have four common shades, and the names given them are actually surprising!

  • Reddish-brown
  • Reddish-yellow
  • Gray
  • Reddish-gray

Ultimately, the best approach when determining the right color for your white teeth is to consult with your dentist. In some cases, your dentist might recommend an alternate solution to your problem. Veneers and dental crowns can also help you achieve a whiter and brighter smile if teeth whitening is not the right solution for you.

Why don’t I have white teeth?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our teeth just aren’t as white as we want them to be. But there are many factors that can lead to tooth discoloration.

Coffee, Tea, and Wine

Colored beverages, especially coffee, tea, and wine, can leave a residue on our teeth that can lead to staining. Be sure to consume plenty of water when consuming these staining beverages.

Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and even vaping can lead to tooth discoloration. If you currently are using tobacco products, work with your medical provider on a strategy to quit. Not only will your teeth thank you, but your overall health will too.

Dental Hygiene

If you are not brushing your teeth twice a day – especially after meals – or flossing before bedtime, there is a good chance that you are leaving food particles behind that can contribute to tooth discoloration, not to mention tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Adopting a good daily oral hygiene routine will help you prevent and eliminate stains and lessen your risks for developing an oral illness.

Age

This is one of those things that we can’t do anything about. Since the real fountain of youth has yet to be discovered, it is simply inevitable that our teeth will thin and age over time. As our teeth thin, the yellow dentin that lies beneath reveals itself, thus creating tooth discoloration.

Medications

In particular, those who have been treated with the common antibiotics doxycycline or tetracycline may have experienced tooth discoloration as a result. And, if you take certain antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, or antipsychotic drugs, those medications can interfere with your ability to maintain white teeth as well.

Monroe Family Dentistry can help you achieve the white teeth that you desire!

If your teeth aren’t the white that you wish they were, now might be the time to request an appointment with your family dentist. And if you live or work in the Greenville, SC area, Monroe Family Dentistry can help. Whether it is your first appointment at Monroe Family Dentistry or you have been a patient of ours for years, we want you to know that we are dedicated to helping you achieve the white smile you desire. But most importantly, we’ll help you achieve a white smile without neglecting the rest of your oral health. So please schedule your appointment today for a white smile and see why so many locals recommend us as their dentist of choice.