You don’t want to be a pessimist in life and always assume the worst, but at the same time, just figuring that everything is going to be fine without actually checking into a situation is also problematic. For example, some people may incorrectly assume having white teeth also means 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 from your dentist in Marlton how this can happen and the process to achieve teeth that are white and healthy.
A Bright Smile Isn’t Necessarily Right for Your Health
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 teeth 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.
Can Teeth That Don’t Look Great Be Healthy?
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 dental 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 just your pearly whites.
Tips to Achieve Teeth That Are White and Healthy
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 treatment, talk to your dentist in Marlton first. They can help you whiten your teeth in a way that makes them look great while protecting them in the process.
White may always be the preferred shade of teeth, but their health should be your top priority. When you practice better oral hygiene each day, it can help you look good with teeth that will be with you for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Kristin Petulla earned her dental doctorate from the University of Maryland. Getting her start in her father’s dental lab at age 14, she never looked back and is now a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Petulla has completed advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute and Astra Dental Headquarters in Sweden. She can verify that your teeth are healthy during a dental checkup and cleaning. Then, she can offer professional teeth whitening treatment if you are interested. Schedule an appointment on her website or call (856) 983-4846.