Do the stains in your teeth bother you? Does it feel like your smile looks dull, no matter what you do? It’s understandable to be frustrated in trying to figure out why this happens. In some cases, it can be because of your genetics! To answer your question of how your family tree could be to blame, continue reading to learn how your dental discoloration might be hereditary and what you can do to get perfect pearly whites.
How Is Tooth Color Influenced by My Genes?
You may already know how the outer layer of your smile is a hard substance known as enamel. It protects the softer tissue underneath, called dentin. These two parts play a big role in the color of your teeth, and they are influenced by your genetics.
For instance, some people’s enamel is naturally thinner. You might be able to more easily see the tooth’s dentin, which has a yellowish appearance. That means that it’ll be harder to get pearly whites without the help of your dentist. Inversely, if your dentin is weaker than normal, then it can affect your enamel. The outer layer may look a bit more translucent or have a blue-gray or yellow-brown color.
What Can I Do About Genetic Tooth Discoloration?
Some good news is that your dentist may offer many treatments to help you get the brighter smile you want. The first line of defense against discoloration of any kind is a professional teeth whitening treatment.
In this service, a high-quality bleaching gel is used that effectively breaks down stubborn stains on and within your teeth. You can either go in-office for this treatment and get noticeably brighter results in about an hour, or a take-home kit may be available to you. Your dentist will give you special trays with a professional whitening agent that gives you the same results as going in-office in just about two weeks. Both of these options are far better than anything you can find in stores.
Your dentist may also have other cosmetic services that offer a bigger, more dramatic change, like veneers. These are thin porcelain shells that cover any flaws in your smile, and they can last over a decade with the proper care!
While you may be able to blame your parents for some stains on your teeth, you are also in charge of your oral health! It can be frustrating to deal with, but follow an at-home dental hygiene routine and limit dark-colored drinks that can increase your chances of discoloration. By doing this, combined with the help of your dentist, you can have pearly whites that you feel confident in.
About the Practice
At Dent-Care Dental, you are in the hands of compassionate dentists who want you to feel proud of your smile. We are proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments to get rid of many flaws that may bother you. By choosing us for teeth whitening or any other service, we ensure that your oral health doesn’t falter while achieving the grin you want. If you want to learn more about how you get the pearly whites you dream of, schedule an appointment or call us at (718) 937-6750.