Can Tooth Color Be Genetic?

For some people, having gleaming white teeth seems like an exercise in futility. You brush with whitening paste, use those bleaching strips, and avoid dark foods and beverages like coffee and red wine, but your smile still looks dull and dingy. So, what’s behind the discoloration? Could it be genetic? Here’s a closer look at how heredity could leave your teeth more prone to stains, and what you can do to finally get the pearly whites you’ve been dreaming of!

How Do Genetics Affect Tooth Color?

If you take excellent care of your smile with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist for preventive exams and cleanings every six months but still struggle with tooth discoloration, it may not be due to anything you’re doing wrong. In fact, it could be caused by a hereditary condition such as fluoride resistance which can make it harder for your teeth to prevent stains, fluorosis, where excessive fluoride use can cause white or brown spots, or even thin enamel which can make your teeth look translucent, creating a yellow hue.

Genetics can also determine how fast your enamel wears down, how quickly your dentin (the yellowish layer behind your enamel) becomes exposed, and how quickly your teeth lose key minerals that could prevent them from becoming discolored.

How Can My Dentist Help Me Get Whiter Teeth?

Depending on the reason your teeth have become discolored, your dentist has a variety of options to restore them. Professional teeth whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks with a convenient take-home kit with reusable custom trays. If your stains are due to enamel problems like translucency or fluoride resistance, you may be better suited to a more permanent treatment such as veneers, which are thin shells that are attached to the teeth and can last for up to 20 years with proper care. You may also want to consider direct bonding, which is more affordable, and can cover deeply stained teeth for about five years. Your dentist is happy to discuss which options will work best for your smile at your cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Remember, while it is possible for your genes to play a role in the shade of your teeth, the good news is that with cosmetic dentistry, you can still get the smile you’ve been dreaming of despite your family history! To learn more about your whitening options, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.

About Our Practice

With nearly 60 years of combined experience, Dr. Eric Marsh and Dr. Michele Pisano-Marsh know how to get you a gorgeous, glowing grin! Whether your teeth have become discolored due to diet, bad oral habits like smoking, or genetics, they are proud to offer a variety of treatments to get your pearly whites, well, pearly white! To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 610-432-8037.