Many cultures throughout history have associated white teeth with health, wealth, beauty, and status, and people have tried countless teeth whitening methods over the centuries. Unfortunately, many of these techniques are quite unreliable, and some of them can even lead to serious dental damage. Here’s a brief guide to why white teeth aren’t always the healthiest teeth alongside a quick overview of how you can safely keep your smile bright and beautiful.
Medieval Teeth Whitening Was Brutal
If you lived in medieval Europe, you would probably have your oral health needs addressed by your local barber. One popular treatment was a teeth whitening technique that involved roughing up the patient’s enamel with a rasp before applying a coating of nitric acid to burn away unsightly stains and discoloration. Whie this could effectively whiten a client’s teeth, it did so by destroying healthy stained enamel to expose the pristine dental structure beneath, which left teeth more vulnerable to decay and injury.
DIY Teeth Whitening Can Be Quite Frightening
If you pay attention to social media influencers, you may have heard about a wide variety of do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods purported to deliver major results for minimal cost. A few examples include treating stained enamel with lemon juice or activated charcoal to lift unsightly discoloration. While these methods may seem to work, they brighten teeth by destroying healthy enamel, which makes injury and infection more likely.
How Can I Keep My Teeth White and Healthy?
Luckily, your teeth only need regular oral hygiene sessions, smart eating habits, and regular dental care to stay healthy, strong, and bright. Brush your teeth at least twice and floss at least once daily while using antibacterial mouthwash as needed to prevent accumulations of harmful bacteria as well as unsightly stains. Avoiding sugar and dark foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and berries will prevent stains from forming, and seeing your dentist regularly will allow them to address any issues in their early stages.
If you already have distracting stains and discoloration in your smile, your dentist may be able to safely and effectively address it with professional teeth whitening treatments. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal grin.
About the Author
Dr. Lewis earned her dental degree at the Howard University College of Dentistry where she received the Community Dentistry Award and the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award. She is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Her office in Allen offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To learn more about how you can safely keep your smile white and pearly, contact her online or dial (972) 954-9728.