So, you follow all the advice. You brush, you floss, and you avoid coffee—so why are your teeth still looking dull or yellow? If you’ve done everything right but still struggle with stains, your genetics may be to blame. But can tooth discoloration really be hereditary, or is there something else causing it? Continue reading to explore the science behind tooth color and whether your family tree has anything to do with your smile.
Can Tooth Color Be Inherited?
Believe it or not, yes! Just like you inherit eye color or your nose from your parents, genetics also influence the color of your teeth. Some people are born with naturally whiter enamel, while others have slightly darker or more yellowish teeth due to genetics.
There are also genetic conditions that can affect your pearly whites in many ways such as:
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Causes grayish, translucent tooth enamel that’s naturally brittle and weak.
- Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Results in yellow-brown discoloration and soft enamel that is prone to pitting, grooving, and decay.
What Determines Your Tooth Color?
Tooth color is largely determined by two factors, both of which can be affected by your family tree. The first is the thickness of your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. For some people, this layer is naturally thinner, allowing more of the dentin to show underneath.
The second factor is the underlying layer of your teeth, the dentin. Contrary to popular belief, pearly whites are—for the most part—naturally off-white in color. This is because dentin is yellow and enamel is somewhat translucent. The thinner your enamel, the more this coloration expresses itself.
Is Tooth Discoloration All Genetic?
While the natural shade of your teeth is predetermined by your genetics, there are still many factors that you can control. Here are some of the most common lifestyle and environmental aspects that can affect your smile:
- Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-colored foods.
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use.
- Poor oral hygiene that allows plaque buildup.
- Medications like tetracycline antibiotics.
- High fluoride exposure during tooth development.
Can You Prevent or Treat Tooth Discoloration?
There are plenty of ways to keep your smile bright, even if you’re genetically predisposed to darker teeth. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine to reduce plaque and food pigment buildup is the most obvious, but you can also explore cosmetic dentistry.
- Professional Whitening: In-office or at-home whitening treatments can brighten enamel and reduce surface stains with powerful chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
- Porcelain Veneers: If genetics have given you permanently discolored teeth, veneers can provide a long-term cosmetic solution. These are thin plates of porcelain adhered to the front of your teeth.
So, while genetics can affect tooth color, you’re not doomed to a stained smile. If discoloration runs in your family and concerns you, talk to your dentist about the best solutions for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baldelli is a bright and talented dentist who loves working with his patients every day. He earned his DMD from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has strived for excellence, expanding his skills through advanced training to better serve his patients. Call (401) 847-7662 to schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Newport Dental Associates or visit our website to see a full menu of our services.