In recent decades, people have come to realize that ordering a diet soda instead of the regular version did not mean they were choosing a healthy alternative. However, some people may still be incorrectly assuming that white teeth also mean healthy teeth.
In a dental Venn diagram, those two can certainly overlap, but sometimes your teeth can be bright and unhealthy. Keep reading to find out how this can happen and how you can achieve teeth that are white while also maintaining good oral health.
Why Don’t White Teeth and Healthy Teeth Go Hand-In-Hand?
It’s perfectly fine to want whiter, brighter teeth and to responsibly use teeth-whitening products. If you feel like you look good, it can improve your self-confidence and your happiness. One way this mindset can go awry is when someone’s teeth-whitening regimen becomes the priority over brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist.
And like that seemingly happy couple who files for divorce “out of nowhere,” there can be trouble brewing behind the white smile that everyone sees. The whitening products can hide underlying issues for teeth, and in some cases, they contain ingredients that harm your teeth when used too often.
Overuse can eat away at your tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to bacteria and elevating your cavity risk. In less severe cases, you could develop sensitivity and gum irritation from doing whitening treatments too often.
On the other hand, you can have healthy teeth without a sparkling white smile. Not everyone’s teeth look alike, so even yellow teeth can actually be healthy. Your smile is determined by a lot of factors like your diet, age, oral health regimen, and genetics.
It’s always important to remember that oral health doesn’t revolve entirely around the teeth. Gum disease, dry mouth, and oral cancer are examples of why having good oral hygiene matters for more than your pearly whites.
How Can You Find the Balance Between White and Healthy Teeth?
Starting at the source of staining is a great, healthy approach to improving the shade of your teeth. If culprits like red wine, coffee, and smoking tobacco are part of your life, reducing or eliminating them from the equation can make a big difference. Mixing apples and celery into your meals more often is helpful to keep teeth clean because eating them stimulates your saliva production to loosen bacteria and remove food particles.
As previously mentioned, good oral hygiene is also a big difference-maker. Don’t give foods, drinks, and bacteria the opportunity to linger in your mouth and cause trouble. Brush at least twice each day and rinse with water after each meal, plus make regular use of a tongue scraper, dental floss, and mouthwash. All these steps remove food debris that can cause stains and lead to cavities.
And if you do decide to utilize teeth whitening, talk to your dentist first. They can help you whiten your teeth in a way that makes them look great while maintaining their health.
White may always be the preferred shade of teeth, but the health of your teeth should be the top priority. When you practice better oral hygiene each day, it can help you achieve the bright and healthy smile you desire.
About the Author
Dr. James Kramer brings compassion and clinical expertise to every dental appointment. He is proud to have earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, which puts him in a select group of less than five percent of dentists nationwide. If you have white teeth but aren’t sure about your oral health, or maybe you want guidance for whitening treatments, Dr. Kramer is ready to help. Visit his website to schedule an appointment or call (302) 436-5133.