For many, the ultimate goal is to have a sparkling white smile. But do white teeth really mean healthy teeth? After all, the majority of toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and even gum focus on their ability to deliver a whitening effect to your teeth. However, if whiter teeth are not necessarily healthier teeth, then it may mean money wasted on all of those products. For more information on how to get a truly healthy smile from your Chino Hills dentist, contact us today! We are standing by to deliver immaculate teeth cleaning in Chino Hills.
Whitening Strips
One of the most popular ways to enhance the whiteness of your teeth is by using teeth whitening strips. However, the whitening products may be costing you the healthy, natural enamel on your teeth. It has been reported that the bleaching products contained in the whitening strips weaken the teeth by deteriorating the enamel. This removal of the enamel on your teeth may also cause negative side effects, like tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Therefore, in this case, whiter teeth do not always mean healthier teeth. For professional and effective teeth whitening, get in touch with your Chino Hills dentist.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically, white teeth are synonymous with brushed, flossed, clean teeth. On the other hand, yellow teeth are associated with dirty, infected, gross teeth. Therefore, the correlation of whiter teeth meaning healthier teeth has become connected in our minds. There is some truth to this association because a deeper shade of yellow in teeth can be a sign of neglect and disease. However, if your teeth are not as white as a napkin or as the keys on your piano that does not mean that your teeth are unhealthy. In fact, it is completely normal for your teeth to have a slight tint to them, making them not completely white.
Stains
The food we ingest and the drinks we consume impact our teeth greatly. For some, the stains left behind may be gradual and take years to really show up. For others, damage can be immediate, like a cracked crown from biting down on hard candy. The stains and damages from these foods and drinks can cause your teeth to take on a yellow shade, which in this case signals unhealthy teeth. However, if you catch the stains early on and actively change your eating and drinking habits, then the damage can likely be fixed.
White teeth can be aesthetically pleasing; however, the color does not always reflect the health of the entire mouth. There have been multiple cases of patients with white teeth, from whitening products, but who have to have major dental work done to correct gum diseases. Your gums serve a very important purpose in the overall health of your mouth. If your gums are neglected, then they can directly impact your teeth as well. Therefore, if white teeth are not accompanied by healthy gums then white teeth do not mean healthy teeth. This is why it is important to focus on the overall health of your mouth by brushing and flossing daily, instead of just focusing on the color of your teeth.
Chino Hills Dentist
With so many factors to consider, it is hard to reach a definite answer on if whiter teeth really do mean healthier teeth. The best way to check how healthy your teeth are is by scheduling an appointment with your Chino Hills dentist to for a thorough check-up. For more information on healthy teeth and treatments available to correct any issues, contact our team at Dental Care of Chino Hills today.
FAQs
Gum Health
Does a teeth cleaning make your teeth whiter? ›
The short answer is: no. It's important to clarify that these deep cleanings alone do not directly whiten your teeth. Professional cleanings focus on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains, which can definitely improve the appearance of your smile and give your teeth a cleaner and brighter appearance.
Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist? ›
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Also, your dentist can give their professional opinion on how many sessions you will need to get the results you need depending on your shade and dental condition. Another benefit of professional teeth whitening is that it is safer than over-the-counter products.
Is it healthy for your teeth to be perfectly white? ›
In the world today, having a white smile can seem vital. After all, people see bright grins as pretty and vibrant. Truthfully, though, white teeth aren't always healthy. Stained enamel can still be strong, while “pearly whites” can have serious oral problems.
How do you know if your teeth are white enough? ›
A good rule of thumb when determining how white your teeth should be is to look at the whites of your eyes. Whether whitening at home or undergoing treatment by a professional dentist, you should be aiming for a shade of white similar to that of your eyes.
Why are my teeth still yellow after dentist cleaning? ›
You may have a yellow bacterial film called ? plaque? that occurs naturally in mouth that can build up. If not removed it hardens to form tartar. Advise deep cleaning, polishing, whitening (bleaching) procedures, artificial enamel filling or capping.
Why are my teeth still yellow after a cleaning? ›
Most of the time, teeth become stained from the substances that individuals eat and drink, as well as other lifestyle choices. Smoking is a large culprit when it comes to stained teeth, but it isn't the only cause. Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining.
How long does dentist teeth whitening last? ›
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.
How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth? ›
Even though it may include many administrations of the bleaching solution, most patients need one teeth whitening treatments session. Wearing the whitening pellets lasting up to two weeks may be required for at-home whitening kits.
Why is dentist teeth whitening so expensive? ›
All of these whitening methods contain a variety of peroxide compounds, according to the British Dental Bleaching Society. But what makes professional whitening cost a bit more is the difference in the active ingredients found in the whitening agent.
Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.
Do white teeth make you look younger? ›
According to a study recently conducted by Oral-B, yes. In the study, people were shown one photo of a model with white teeth, and another with yellow teeth, and were asked to guess her age. On average, they said the model with yellow teeth was thirteen years older than the one with a bright smile.
Can teeth turn white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
What color makes your teeth look the most white? ›
Dark colours like deep blue or purple are going to contrast against the colour of your teeth beside the brackets and make them appear whiter. Similar to the effect of red lipstick.
What does a healthy teeth look like? ›
Healthy teeth possess distinct characteristics, including strong enamel, uniform color, absence of stains or discoloration, smooth surface, proper shape and alignment, healthy gums, and freedom from sensitivity or pain.
How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening? ›
Depending on the level of your staining and the type of whitening procedure you have done, you may be able to see results in about a week or two. To reach your desired whiteness, it may take about three weeks to a month. To maintain the shade, you will need to go for touch-up treatments or use prescribed home kits.
Does teeth cleaning help with yellow teeth? ›
On the other hand, if your teeth have extrinsic stains, which are surface-level stains, professional cleanings can be quite effective. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar and can reduce surface discoloration from coffee and wine, contributing to a healthier and brighter smile.
Does teeth cleaning remove yellow? ›
Yes, when done correctly, yellowed teeth can be whitened. Here's how to clean yellow teeth as well as prevent it: Use a whitening toothpaste: Here is a smart tip on how to make yellow teeth white- there are medically-approved whitening toothpastes that you can use to take care of your teeth discolouration.
Do teeth look different after cleaning? ›
A quality dental cleaning should leave your mouth feeling fresh. Teeth may also appear to be brighter and there may be noticeably less plaque and tartar accumulation on teeth and along the gum line. The gums may also feel different and begin to look healthier, as well.
How often should your teeth be cleaned? ›
Some dentists recommend that you visit once every 6 months for a cleaning. This allows your dentist to get a look at your teeth and let you know if there's anything that needs to be addressed, such as a cavity or gingivitis.
