Why Aren’t My Teeth White Even After Brushing Them Daily?
Your teeth are essential to your overall well-being. These bones in your jaw break down food into smaller particles and enable you to communicate effectively. Their appearances can also significantly contribute to your appearance and self-confidence.
Unfortunately, due to the unrealistic beauty standards that society has set, many people turned to drastic tooth whitening measures. However, these procedures can be dangerous and lead to costly mistakes, especially if you don’t do them correctly or seek professional help. Others also believe teeth should be perfectly white, but that’s not always true.
If you want to understand your teeth better, this article will explain why your teeth can look discolored even with good oral hygiene. We’ll also discuss the most effective teeth-whitening methods you can consider.
Are Teeth Initially White?
It’s a misconception that teeth are naturally perfectly white. Even without exposure to substances that cause discoloration, they’ll still have a slightly off-white appearance in their original form.
The visible portion of your teeth comprises two parts: dentin and enamel. Dentin is the durable and dense tissue that makes up most of the tooth’s structure, and the enamel covers it. Together, these parts can make your teeth look discolored.
If your teeth didn’t touch anything else, they might have an off-white appearance because of the dentin, which is usually slightly colored and sometimes significantly colored. The enamel that covers your dentin is transparent, so any natural coloration in the dentin will be visible on the teeth. You should also remember that surface whitening or toothbrushing won’t make your teeth perfectly white if you have dark dentin because it’s already slightly colored.
How Often Will Your Teeth Stain?
Several factors can cause teeth staining, like food and drink intake, smoking, and certain medications. Products like coffee, cola, berries, tomato sauce, and wine are common culprits that can stain your teeth. You should also remember that you’ll likely experience staining if you continue to consume these items, even if you brush your teeth regularly.
Will Regular Brushing Whiten Your Teeth?
Brushing your teeth won’t make them white. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice or more daily to remove plaque, prevent cavities, and avoid gum disease. However, regular cleaning or using whitening toothpaste can’t significantly whiten teeth. You must also know that these products only have a limited effect on your teeth’s surface.
Can Over-The-Counter Treatments Help?
While over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products can help lighten teeth in some instances, remember that they have limitations. Items like whitening strips, mouthwashes, and toothpaste only work on the tooth enamel’s surface, meaning they can only remove surface-level stains.
You should also know they won’t work on tougher stains and deeper discoloration. Moreover, other people may not apply OTC treatments evenly, making covering all parts of the teeth challenging. This situation is especially true for areas near the gums and neighboring teeth.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Brighten Your Teeth?
You can effectively achieve brighter teeth by letting a professional dentist perform a whitening treatment at their office. Your dental professional may suggest treatments based on your teeth and desired outcome, like in-office bleaching, laser procedure, or heat therapy. They may also recommend custom-fitted tray-based whitening systems.
Moreover, the various options allow cosmetic dentists to whiten their patients’ teeth with surface, embedded, or other forms of discoloration. Either way, all treatments are safe and deliver long-lasting results.
Brightening a Better Smile
Store-bought teeth whitening products can help you get a better smile, but remember that they can weaken your enamel and dentin and won’t last long. This situation is especially true if they’re low-quality. You can smile better by practicing good oral hygiene and consulting a dentist about your best options.
If you need professional teeth whitening in Southborough for your best smile, visit Southborough Dental Partners! Our clinic offers various dental treatments to help patients live and smile better. Book an appointment now!