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

In medieval times, dentistry was often performed by barbers. One popular “treatment” was a whitening technique that involved applying several coats of acid to the teeth that would turn them a brighter, whiter color. While it succeeded at bleaching the teeth, it also severely eroded enamel, leaving the teeth more vulnerable to decay. The moral of this story is that white teeth are not necessarily healthy teeth.

Luckily, modern dentists know a lot more about keeping teeth healthy and bright than medieval barbers. Here’s what you should know about how dental problems can occur in perfectly white teeth and why you should keep showing up for regular dental appointments even if your teeth seem to be looking their best.

What Color Are Healthy Teeth?

Even though our culture is obsessed with achieving the whitest teeth possible, healthy teeth are often a slightly yellow, off-white color. The outer layers of your teeth include the bluish-white enamel on the outside and the yellowish dentin underneath, and it is perfectly normal for a slightly yellow tinge to show on one’s teeth. Just like hair, skin, and eye color, different people have differently colored teeth, and no one color is perfect for everyone. In fact, compulsively pursuing whiter and whiter teeth can have negative consequences down the line.

The Problems with Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products

Unfortunately, many people prioritize their outward appearance over their overall health. Dentists have long known that some over-the-counter whitening treatments available at many stores and pharmacies can permanently damage teeth by eroding the enamel layer. Just like with whitening treatments from medieval barbers, this loss of enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause cavities. If you use a DIY whitening treatment when you have a cavity, the whitening agent can penetrate deeper into the tooth than intended, causing severe pain.

The Importance of Regular Dental Appointments

A regimen of teeth-whitening products should never take precedence over rigorous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Dental appointments provide your mouth with care and attention from a licensed professional specially trained in caring for teeth and soft oral tissues. Your dentist can provide you with professional-grade teeth whitening treatments, and you can rest assured that they won’t do that before treating any cavities that might make the experience incredibly painful. Oral care at home and at the dentist’s office is the right way to achieve a whiter, healthier smile.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has accrued over two decades of experience in dentistry since she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University. She proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the American Equilibration Society, and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. Her office in Midland, TX offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. For more information on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule an appointment, contact her online or dial (432) 570-4433.