Like many, you may see a white smile as obviously strong. That’s only natural – pearly whites that live up to their name look clean and durable. (In contrast, yellowed enamel can seem sickly and weak.) Truthfully, though, white teeth aren’t necessarily healthy ones. Bright chompers can suffer oral issues, while a stained smile may still be strong. Should you like to learn more, your Temple dentist is happy to explain. To that end, here’s why white teeth aren’t always healthier.
White Teeth Can Be Unhealthy
Without question, white and bright teeth look better than brown or yellow ones. Nonetheless, the former kind can suffer health problems in some cases.
For instance, you may have a bright smile due to over-the-counter whiteners. These items aren’t good for teeth, as they’re abrasive and wear away at enamel. Consequently, they can expose your underlying dentin to bacteria and increase your risk of cavities.
What’s worse, whitener side effects aren’t always noticeable. They can erode your enamel without you knowing it. From there, your smile would weaken even as you’re none the wiser.
(Slightly) Yellowed Teeth Can Be Healthy
Yes, (slightly) stained teeth look grimy. Discoloration from food makes them seem weathered and weak. Even so, a yellowed smile can have decent enamel and be relatively healthy.
Remember, strong teeth tend to have a yellow hue anyway. Enamel is naturally blue-white, but the underlying dentin has a yellowy tone. Seen together, the tooth layers appear off-white with a slightly yellow tinge. In other words, teeth with sufficiently strong enamel can be stained.
At the same time, do note that enamel thins with age. The wear and tear of meals shave the layer away. As a result, your yellow dentin will become more apparent. However, teeth with (relatively) thin enamel can be healthy and cavity-free.
How to Get White & Healthy Teeth
Thankfully, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds – teeth that are healthy and bright. All you need to do is follow the right habits. In particular, consider those listed below:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Naturally, twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing will leave your teeth cleaner. These habits will also remove leftover bacteria and food bits that stain your smile.
- Avoid Dark-Colored Foods & Drinks – Some foods and drinks have compounds that stain teeth. (That especially goes for items with tannins, including coffee, tea, berries, and more.) Reduce your intake of these products to prevent tooth discoloration.
- See Your Dentist – When all else fails, see your dentist to achieve healthy and white enamel. They can provide both cleaning and whitening treatments. From there, your smile would be several times stronger and brighter.
White teeth aren’t necessarily healthy, but they can sometimes be both. It’s just a matter of using tips like those above!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch – Houston. He has expertise in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental work. That means you can trust him for all your oral needs, from standard dental checkups to high-quality dental implants. Dr. Fossum currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-778-3900.