Having a beautiful, gleaming white smile is the goal of many people. After all, that glowing grin signifies more than just a clean mouth. It also conveys youthfulness and confidence, too. But did you know that just because your teeth are white doesn’t mean they’re healthy? Here’s a closer look at why the shade of your smile doesn’t always have anything to do with its condition, and why regular visits to the dentist matter, even if your teeth look clean.
Throwing Shade: Why Tooth Color Doesn’t Always Matter
When most people think of what makes a smile appear healthy, they probably put white teeth at the top of the list. But while yes, light enamel does mean the teeth are free of stains, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in good health. That’s because things like cavities and decay aren’t always visible to the naked eye, no matter how pristine the tooth itself appears.
Furthermore, even though most teeth appear to be white, the truth is the dentin (the layer underneath the enamel) is naturally yellow, so if your enamel is at all thin or translucent, even clean, healthy teeth may appear discolored. Yellowing can also occur naturally with age or due to medications, even in patients who don’t engage in lifestyle activities or eat foods that could potentially leave colorful deposits behind.
It Was All Yellow: When Discoloration Could Spell Trouble
Of course, there are plenty of reasons why discoloration could mean that your teeth aren’t as healthy as they could be. Things like plaque buildup, stains from smoking or tobacco use, and even weakened enamel due to a highly acidic diet could cause yellowing that adds years to your smile. In some cases, this can be removed with a cleaning from your dental team at your regular preventive checkup, or in other situations professional whitening could assist you in removing up to eight shades of discoloration. But to get your teeth bleached, you’ll still need a clean bill of health from your dentist, which is even more reason for maintaining your regular schedule of preventive exams and cleanings.
How to Keep Teeth Looking (and Feeling) Their Best
To keep your teeth looking as sparkly white as possible, make sure you’re maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine: brush twice a day, floss daily, and if you’re so inclined, you can even add a mouthwash. Furthermore, don’t skip your preventive checkups and cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months to keep your teeth pristine and your eye out for any developing issues that could cause discoloration and damage. Finally, don’t smoke or use tobacco products (yes, including vapes), avoid consuming darkly pigmented foods or beverages like coffee, red wine, cola, and staining sauces.
Remember, white teeth make your smile look bright and your face appear youthful, but they don’t necessarily mean your mouth is healthy. The best way to ensure that your gorgeous grin lasts a lifetime is with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist!
About Dr. Vekariya
Dr. Raj Vekariya earned his first dental degree in his native country, India, where he then worked as an associate dentist for three years. After arriving in the United States, he earned his second dental degree at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. Today, he is proud to call Canonsburg home, and to protect the beautiful smiles of the incredible families in the community- including his own! To schedule your preventive exam and cleaning at Center One Dental, visit our website or call us today at 724-300-3700.