How White Should Your Teeth Really Be? (2024)

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One of the first things people notice when they meet someone for the first time is their smile. Therefore, it is an added asset to have beautiful white teeth to complement a warm and friendly smile.

Yet, more than a few people feel embarrassed by breaking out that toothy grin because they think that the teeth under their lips are less than flattering. This could be due to discoloration or stains on the teeth, or any similar reason.

We are bombarded with bright white smiles on the televisions, movie screens, billboards, posters, magazines, and even social media to add to this insecurity. However, what these things don’t cover is how white your teeth should be? Are they supposed to be pearly white or somewhere in between?

How To Learn How Much of White is Right for Your Teeth?

The reason teeth whitening is so appealing is that it isn’t just about aesthetics. Not only does a fresh, clean, and bright smile boost a person’s confidence, but it can also be a sign of good oral hygiene and health.

The teeth are made up of three basic parts; enamel, dentil, and pupil. Under normal conditions, the enamel will be the only visible part of the teeth. This part is also the hardest substance of the human body and should ideally last a lifetime without any issues.

However, activities such as eating too much sugar can damage the enamel, exposing the dentil beneath it. The dentil is darker and more yellowish; hence, giving the yellow coloring.

It is no secret that your teeth shouldn’t be yellow. However, they aren’t supposed to be purely white either.

To determine how white your teeth should be, look at the whites of your eyes. Those are a good reference to how your teeth should look like. If your teeth are significantly yellower than your eyes, then you may need to check in with your dentist. On the other hand, if you plan on bleaching your teeth, make sure that it doesn’t get much whiter than your eyes, as it can make you look like Ross from that episode of Friends!

Ensuring that your teeth and your eyes are similar whites will guarantee that neither turn into unwanted focal points on your face, while also making sure that your teeth are a healthy shade of white. Visit Auburn Family Dentistry every six months for a dental cleaning and an exam with our friendly dentist in Wichita, Kansas!