Do Blondes Have Yellower Teeth Than Brunettes?

Q: Someone told me that their dentist told them that their teeth are naturally discolored because she is a natural blonde.

Is it true that blondes have a natural yellowing of their teeth?
- M. McKenzie from Louisville, KY

A:
Their teeth do look yellower in contrast with their paler skin and lighter color hair. I discuss this notion in a previous article about how to make your teeth look whiter without actually whitening them (hint: it’s all about contrasting your teeth with a darker color to make them appear whiter!)

Your question gives rise to the age old question, “do blondes have more fun?” Even Darwin himself pondered this notion and could not come to a conclusion.

Wine and cigarettes age and yellow the teeth, which supports that party image that blondes seem to eschew. I would have to disagree, though.

Some studies (funded by Clairol of course!) indicate that a women is more confident after she lightens her hair. I’d venture to say, unofficially from my studies, that blondes and brunettes alike can achieve that same level of confidence by whitening their teeth, not their hair, because the lighter your hair, the yellower your teeth will look in contrast!

So before you reach for the peroxide, get the teeth whitening gel out and whiten your teeth.

When you meet someone new, they will almost always notice a big, healthy smile before they notice your hair. Teeth whitening is also safer and longer lasting (no roots to touch up). Blondes may have to whiten a bit longer due to the contrast issue I mention above, but in the mean time, maybe they are having more fun!

Mark Burhenne DDS