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Are whiter teeth healthier? It's not necessary - here's what you need to know
In recent years, a number of teeth whitening solutions have hit the market that promise a brighter, whiter smile. And while people generally believe that a whiter smile means healthier teeth, that's a concept they learned from advertising — not dentists. If you are concerned about whether your teeth are the "correct" color, you should talk to your dentist to find out where your teeth sit in the standard color range. So does discoloration mean a problem with your teeth? Not always. Here's what you should know.
Healthy teeth have a slightly yellowish appearance
Despite our obsession with whiter teeth, most healthy teeth have a pale yellow hue. The outer layer of your teeth - the enamel - is blue-white in color. The middle layer - dentin - is a thick tissue with a slightly yellow tint. This means that if you have a thick layer of dentin and enough enamel—which is good—your teeth should be off-white with a slightly yellowish appearance.
Age? Teeth darkening is a natural part of the aging process
People change as they age. They get wrinkles, their hair turns gray and their teeth start to darken over time. Even those of us who brush our teeth twice a day without any problems will begin to notice how our teeth change over time. The older you get, the thicker and darker your dentin becomes. Your tooth enamel also thins as you age, making the dentin more apparent. And after years of drinking coffee and tea, smoking or simply eating food, stains form on your teeth. In some cases, genetics can play a role – if your parents or grandparents had yellow teeth in their old age, chances are you will too.
This is all a completely normal part of aging. Even if your teeth are darker, it in no way means that they are less healthy. It is simply another way of counting and measuring your life experiences.
Black, brown or green spots may indicate a problem
Although a yellow or darkening appearance isn't necessarily a problem, there are some types of discoloration that warrant a trip to the dentist's office. If your teeth are darker than a light yellow color, it may be a result of heavy smoking, which can cause various oral health problems. Certain diseases, such as fluorosis, can change the color of your enamel or dentin. Green or orange stains can indicate a build-up of bacteria or fungus – a thorough brushing can usually resolve this type of staining. If you notice red, black or brown spots on your teeth, it could be a sign of porphyria, a rare but manageable genetic disorder that affects the blood. Porphyria cannot be cured, but the disease is usually manageable with the right treatment.
If your pearly whites aren't that white, it's not necessarily a cause for alarm. Healthy teeth are usually off-white or slightly yellowish, and teeth naturally darken over time. However, if you notice brown, black or green stains on your teeth, you may have a chronic condition or need a thorough cleaning. A smile can last a lifetime - if you take care of it. For this reason, it is important that parents instill good oral health habits in their children as early as possible.
According to US Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona's report "National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health", children lose more than 51 million school hours each year and adults lose more than 164 million work hours each year due to dental disease or visits to the dentist. The total bill for dental services in the country in 2002 was estimated at more than $70.1 billion.
"Oral disease is making alarming inroads into communities across the country," explains Dr. Marsha Butler, vice president of global oral health and professional relations at Colgate-Palmolive. "For children ages 5 to 17 here in the U.S., tooth decay is more common than asthma, more common than hay fever, and a significant threat to the overall health and well-being of our children."
Recently, in celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, Colgate and Dr. Carmona revealed the U.S. Surgeon General's "Seven Steps to a Brighter Smile," tips developed with a grant from Colgate-Palmolive to help keep teeth and gums strong and healthy:
1. Brush your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after breakfast and before bed.
2. Visit the dentist regularly.
3. Floss your teeth daily.
4. Use a fluoride rinse for strong and healthy teeth and gums.
5. Limit the number of times you snack a day - and don't forget to eat healthy and get enough calcium.
6. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.
7. Ask your dental professional about dental sealants.
Through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, Colgate has reached more than 50 million children with free dental screenings, treatment referrals and oral health education. The company is more than halfway to fulfilling its public commitment to reach 100 million children with these services by 2010. Bright Smiles, Bright Futures empowers children to take control of their oral health and helps create greater awareness of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.
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