Yellow is Better!
Admit it or not, most of us are leaning towards whiter teeth instead of yellow ones. Since yellow teeth have a poor reputation, particularly in contemporary society when having a bright, pearly white smile is the standard we see in mainstream media. Most often than not, the color we are already blessed with is what we should cherish and maintain. Let’s break down the facts as to why yellow is natural and better!
Understanding the Layers of a Tooth
According to Three Creek Dentistry, Enamel is present on every surface of a tooth. This is the outer layer that has a blueish-white color and is somewhat a bit translucent. Underneath the strong outer layer is a hard tissue called the Dentin; this has a natural yellow hue. Therefore, because of the translucent nature of the enamel, the yellow hue of the dentin below can naturally be seen. Thus making the overall color of the teeth either light grey or light yellow (BBC).
What Makes Teeth Yellow
As mentioned earlier, yellow teeth are a natural occurrence and should be appreciated. However, not all yellow teeth are healthy! There are other factors that contribute to the further discoloration of one’s teeth. Prairie Dental Group listed down some of the factors that further add up to the thinning of enamel:
- Genetics
- Tooth Decay
- Plaque accumulation
- Bruxism (or teeth grinding)
- Brushing with activated charcoal
- Brushing with lemon juice & baking soda
- Brushing too vigorously
- Using a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles (we recommend soft!)
- Drinking coffee, tea, wine, and dark-colored sodas
- Eating candy, sweet treats, citrus, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes
- Chewing tobacco and smoking
Again, while yellow teeth are natural and inherently stronger than whiter ones, the above lists are the main reasons why yellow teeth are sometimes associated with bad oral hygiene.
Embracing Your Own Yellow
Contrary to common belief, it’s not typical to have teeth that are as white as piano keys, or as pristine as ocean pearls. These pearly whites are a result of the combination of continuous bleaching and polishing off the top layer of enamel. These procedures can have multiple side effects, the most common is being sensitive to cold and permanent weakening of teeth. If you have the yellow hues, don’t worry, in most cases, what you have are strong and durable teeth.
While our standards are often swayed by what we see in most mainstream media, it is important to know and embrace the features we have now. Appreciating our natural yellow teeth is a step closer to cherishing ourselves.
