Inherited Shade: How Family Genes Shape the Color of Your Smile

Have you ever looked at old pictures of your parents or grandparents and noticed you looked alike? Well, your teeth are a family trait too! That means your smile might be as strong as your mother’s or father’s, but it also means you could inherit other traits, like coloration. But how do your genes affect the shade of your smile? Keep reading to see how genetics play a role and what cosmetic dentistry can do about it.

What Makes Your Teeth a Certain Color?

Your tooth shade is affected by a combination of factors. The first is the thickness and color of your enamel—the outer layer of your tooth. Thin enamel shows more of the dentin—the yellowish inner layer of your teeth. So, the more the dentin shows, the more yellow they appear, even if you have great brushing and flossing habits.

Genetics also plays a role. If your parents have naturally warmer or grayer teeth, you may see the same shade in the mirror. Lastly, natural variations and pigments. Some teeth are naturally more yellow, brown, or gray, and stains from food and drink can cling to enamel to change its color.

Can Inherited Conditions Cause Discoloration?

Sometimes, yes. Two rare conditions are the best-known examples. Amelogenesis imperfecta affects how your enamel forms, leaving it thin, pitted, or stained. Dentinogenesis imperfecta, on the other hand, affects dentin and can give your teeth a gray, brown, or bluish tint. Neither one is very common, but both tend to run in families.

What Can Be Done About It?

The right fix depends on the cause. Professional whitening can brighten many smiles, but the gels don’t work well—if at all—on intrinsic stains within the tooth. In those cases, your dentist may suggest bonding, veneers, or all-ceramic restorations to cover the color and reshape the tooth.

You may have inherited your smile, but you don’t have to settle for its shade. If the color of your teeth bothers you, talk with your dentist. A quick exam can find the cause and point you to a treatment that can bring back your confidence.

About the Author

Dr. James T. Gray is a caring dentist with more than 30 years of experience in Arlington. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio and is active in the Texas Dental Association. Today, he’s happy to help patients brighten and perfect their smiles with veneers, bonding, and professional whitening. Call (817) 460-4131 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation at James T. Gray, DDS.