Dentin is typically a pale yellow color. It is the layer of tissue beneath the enamel that makes up the bulk of a tooth. While the color of dentin can range from grey to black, it is usually a pale yellow that can be seen through the translucent enamel.
Factors affecting dentin color:
- Age: Dentin can darken with age due to exposure to staining agents like coffee, tea, and tobacco.
- Genetics: The natural shade of dentin can vary from person to person, with some people having naturally yellower dentin than others.
- Trauma: Injury to a tooth can cause the dentin to darken or even turn black.
- Tooth whitening: While teeth whitening treatments are designed to lighten the enamel, they can also affect the dentin, making it appear brighter.
Dentin's role in tooth color:
- Translucent enamel: The enamel that covers the tooth is translucent, allowing the color of the underlying dentin to show through.
- Tooth discoloration: The dentin is the primary factor in determining the color of a tooth.
