The media is flooded with claims about the best teeth whitening products and their effectiveness. Patients visit our Dallas, TX Teeth Whitening Dentist asking about claims they’ve seen on a commercial asserts that, “If you’re not whitening, you’re yellowing.” Is that statement true? The easy answer is yes and no.
The outer layer of your teeth is enamel. This enamel protects the inner dentin. When you’re young, this enamel is at its optimal density. As you age, this hard surface takes a beating. Smoking, acidic foods and discoloring agents like coffee and red wine all contribute to the deterioration of dental enamel. Your teeth also become more porous as you age, allowing these causative agents a greater opportunity to penetrate and destroy tooth enamel.
Lying under tooth enamel is dentin, the calcified tissue that surrounds and protects the root and pulp of your tooth. Dentin naturally has a yellowish color. As tooth enamel deteriorates and becomes porous, the underlying dentin becomes more apparent. The result is that your teeth begin to take on a dull, yellowish appearance. As you age and indulge in foods and beverages, the breakdown of the outer enamel continues and the dentin becomes more apparent.
In reality, teeth whitening is unrelated to teeth yellowing. You can use any number of teeth whitening products and see some positive results. However, you can do far more to help keep your teeth white and bright with regular cleanings by your dentistand by avoiding those foods and beverages that seep into and discolor your tooth enamel.
It’s important to understand that tooth enamel cannot be restored. There are no teeth whitening products or procedures that will make enamel magically “grow back.” When it’s gone, it’s gone. But you can avoid the appearance of yellow teeth. Be proactive in protecting this vital component of your teeth by being aware of the types of foods you consume. Reduce consumption of acidic foods like soda, energy drinks, juice, wine and citrus fruits. Smoking and using tobacco products causes significant damage to dental enamel.
Professional teeth whitening can produce amazing results. The Dallas, TX Teeth Whitening Dentist is a specialist in this procedure and can guide you to the alternative that will produce the best result for you. Contact our office to arrange for a visit to discuss these alternatives and achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted.