Many factors affect the color of your teeth, like your brushing and flossing habits. However, genetics can also affect tooth color. If your pearly whites aren’t their brightest, you might avoid showing your teeth when smiling. You don’t have to be embarrassed if they are brown or yellow. Whether your tooth color is caused by genetics or other factors, your cosmetic dentist has the solution you need to reveal a brighter smile.
Genetic Factors Contribute to Tooth Discoloration
Teeth come in many shades and tones naturally, but certain genetic conditions can also influence their color, like:
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Dentinogenesis imperfecta causes enamel defects. It’s hereditary and can appear as transparent enamel or weak and brittle teeth.
- Amelogénesis Imperfecta: The genetic condition may cause yellow-brown teeth. Pits, grooves, chipping, or cracking are also related to the condition.
Types of Tooth Stains
Although genetics can play a role in the color of your teeth, discoloration can be caused by various factors, which are categorized as:
- Intrinsic: Intrinsic discoloration can be caused by genetics or defects that originate from within the tooth.
- Extrinsic: Stains caused by external factors affect the surface of teeth, like coffee or smoking.
- Age-Related: Both intrinsic and extrinsic stains can occur with age, like enamel loss or poor oral hygiene.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Since not all stains are the same, they require a unique approach to treatment. Your cosmetic dentist will determine the source of your discoloration, which may include:
- Genetics: The color of your teeth can be similar to a parent.
- Age: You lose enamel over time, which will make more of your yellowish dentin visible.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Subpar brushing and flossing habits can lead to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Smoking: Tobacco and smoking cause tar and nicotine stains.
- Diet: Dark foods and drinks can stain your enamel.
- Irregular Dental Care: Stains can occur if you don’t visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
Reveal a White Smile
Don’t waste money on OTC whitening products to treat tooth stains. Your cosmetic dentist can reverse age-related and surface stains with:
- In-Office Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter in about 1 hour using an in-office whitening system.
- At-Home Whitening: You can achieve in-office results from home. Your dentist will give you everything you need to whiten your teeth gradually for 2 weeks.
You can’t change your DNA, but you can reverse stained teeth with the help of your cosmetic dentist. You won’t think twice before smiling for pictures.
About Dr. Christine Root
Dr. Root earned her dental degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education in many specialties, including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Indiana Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call (765) 613-3128.
