Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Why are the top cuspid/canine teeth (the 'vampire' teeth) often slightly more yellow than other teeth?

I have noticed that the top cuspid/canine teeth are commonly slightly more yellow than the other teeth. Perhaps these teeth have lest contact with the inner mouth hence less mositure from saliva.

Why are the top cuspid/canine teeth (the 'vampire' teeth) often slightly more yellow than other teeth?
I'm a dentist.





When I read your question, I smiled because I knew that there would be a variety of wrong answers.





Canines are the most massive of your anterior teeth. Much more dentin in them, which is yellow.





Remember, tooth enamel is not completely opaque. It is somewhat translucent.
Reply:Bcoz you dont brush properly.
Reply:It's probably more due to the shape of the tooth and the location on the arch. The canines have a much larger embrasure space than incisor teeth, making them a little harder to brush. Also, they're at a position where most people end up switching toothbrush head direction, so they often do not get cleansed as well. Because of this, dentists and hygienists can sometimes guess your handedness based on plaque accumulation.
Reply:It's because it is a thicker tooth %26amp; has stronger enamel %26amp; dentin.
Reply:The canine teeth sit at an angle in the mouth so they reflect light differently then say your middle and lateral incisors. Hence they will always look a little different then the other teeth.
Reply:It holds stains because of the thicker enamel.



flickr

No comments:

Post a Comment

 
vc .net