Like most, you probably aspire to a whiter smile. A gleaming grin is often associated with vitality, strength, and well-being. However, white teeth aren’t always healthy ones. Strong enamel can have a different color, while “pearly whites” may hide some dental issues. If you want to know more, let your Lawrenceville dentist explain. Here’s how healthy teeth usually look, why white teeth can be unhealthy, and ways to get a bright and healthy grin.
How Do Healthy Teeth Usually Look?
Despite the obsession with beaming smiles, most healthy teeth don’t look perfectly white. They actually tend to have a slightly yellow hue.
You see, all teeth have both enamel and dentin. It’s only the former layer that’s naturally blue-white. Meanwhile, the latter (i.e., the dentin) is typically yellowish. As a result, looking at them together usually shows an off-white but somewhat yellow color. Teeth with this tint can be (and often are) naturally strong and sturdy.
Why Would White Teeth Be Unhealthy?
White teeth look unblemished, so they may seem perfectly well. In reality, though, their surface appearance can hide underlying oral problems.
Imagine that store-bought whiteners brightened your smile. The latter are naturally abrasive, so they’d ultimately wear down your enamel. That means they’d remove bits of your top tooth layer even as they eliminate stains. Some of your dentin would then get exposed, putting you at risk of cavities and infections.
Sadly, you might not even notice such effects at first. It’d take time before your teeth got sensitive or achy. In other words, shoddy whiteners would erode your enamel without you even knowing.
Ways to Get Bright and Healthy Teeth
Fortunately enough, teeth can be bright and healthy. All you need to do is employ the right practices. In particular, look at those below:
- Stick to Good Oral Hygiene – If you don’t already, remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss between them once daily. These habits will remove leftover food that could stain your smile.
- Avoid Stain Agents – Try to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks as best you can. In truth, these items have stain agents that darken enamel. (Notable examples are coffee, tea, berries, tomato sauce, mustard, etc. )
- See Your Dentist – For a whiter smile, see your local dentist for help. They can offer cleanings and whitening treatments that make your grin beautiful and healthy.
Indeed, white teeth aren’t always healthy ones. With that said, look after your smile, even if it has the “right” look!
About the Practice
Transforming Smiles is based in Lawrenceville, GA. Led by Drs. Bruce Carter and Shariq Zafrani, our practice gives each patient a healthy and gorgeous grin. To that end, we provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental work. Our team is also well-versed in both TMJ and periodontal therapies. If you’d like more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (770)-995-7616.