Whiter Teeth Aren’t Always Healthier Teeth; Here’s Why

In medieval times, long before the rise of modern dental science, people favored whiter teeth not unlike they do today. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t always know the right way to achieve a brighter smile. Back then, dentistry was considered the job of the local barber, and a popular treatment involved applying a few coats of acid to a patient’s teeth to lighten their color. While this procedure did have the desired bleaching effect, the acid also eroded the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to injury and decay.

It doesn’t really make sense to lighten your teeth if doing so makes them fall out. Fortunately, people today know more about how to take care of their teeth than they did in the medieval era, and your dentist is well-equipped to brighten, whiten, and shine your teeth without destroying them in the process. Here’s what you should know about why whiter teeth are not always healthier teeth.

What Color Should Healthy Teeth Be?

The outer layers of the teeth include the bluish-white enamel on top and the yellowish dentin underneath. Together, they usually appear a slightly yellowish off-white color. As people age, the outer layer of enamel thins out due to wear and tear over the years, leaving older people with yellower teeth. Years of consuming foods and beverages heavy in pigments and dyes such as coffee, red wine, berries, and the like can cause the teeth to become discolored as well.

What Dangers Come with Over-the-Counter Whitening Products?

Despite all the buzz on social media, over-the-counter DIY teeth whitening products carry certain risks to the user. A “one-size-fits-all” dental tray can be a poor fit for some individuals, leading to uneven whitening of the teeth or gum irritation due to exposure to the whitening agent. If someone uses these products too frequently, they can start eroding the enamel in a manner similar to that of a medieval barber’s dental acid-wash treatments.

How Can I Whiten My Teeth the Healthy Way?

A professional take-home teeth whitening kit from a dentist can produce results far superior to those of any product you could buy at a store or pharmacy, making your teeth up to ten shades whiter. The kit will include a tube of professional-grade whitening gel and dental trays customized to fit your teeth. All you need to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them for about an hour every day for two weeks. By the time you’re done, your teeth will be brighter, whiter, and flashier.

There’s nothing wrong with seeking a whiter smile as long as you’re careful about how you achieve it. Your dentist has the equipment and expertise to guide your teeth to a more ideal shade in a safe and healthy manner. That’s something to smile about.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery and has since completed advanced training in dental sleep medicine, sedation dentistry, and all areas of general care. He currently serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the Wisconsin Dental Association. His office in Oshkosh, WI offers pediatric, general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. For more information about whitening your teeth the healthy way, contact his office online or dial (920) 235-0320.