Let’s say you’ve been taking care of your teeth daily as you brush them daily, rinse with water, gargle with mouthwash, and do some extra flossing in case leftover food is stuck between your teeth. However, no matter what you do, you can’t just get to whiten your teeth.
You see, there’s always a misconception that teeth are always meant to be white. You’ve probably seen tons of toothpaste and teeth-related commercials that highlight teeth whitening components and how you should maintain white teeth. But the truth is, that is not always the case with everyone.
There are a few reasons your teeth cannot be white even though you brush them daily.
Teeth Aren’t Originally White
As mentioned earlier, perceiving your teeth as white is a common myth. In fact, your teeth will still appear off-white in their natural state even if you use coloring agents to make them white. This is because the visible portion of your teeth is composed of dentin and enamel.
Dentin is the outer layer of your tooth that covers the pulp. It is slightly yellowish brown and responsible for the color of your teeth’ visible portion. Meanwhile, the enamel is the hard layer that covers the dentin and gives your teeth strength and durability.
As you age, your teeth gradually lose their original color and develop more yellow dentin. So don’t beat yourself up if your teeth appear off-white in their natural state—this is just how they are!
Teeth Frequently Get Stains
You might think your teeth will not get affected by all the food and drinks you consume, but they do. In fact, some habits can make your teeth more yellow than ever.
For instance, frequent smoking can make your teeth yellow because nicotine stains teeth. Another habit that can cause your teeth to turn yellow is drinking too much coffee or tea. These beverages contain caffeine, irritating your teeth and making them more susceptible to staining.
Brushing Your Teeth Won’t Whiten Them
Of course, this one should be obvious. Yes, it’s crucial to brush your teeth daily to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up on your teeth and gums, but brushing will not whiten them. In addition, the teeth whitening properties of whitening toothpaste only have a limited effect on your teeth.
How to Whiten Your Teeth
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are available to get the white teeth of your dreams, such as whitening strips, toothpaste, and kits. If you have sufficient money for professional teeth whitening treatments, you can consult your local dentist and see what they can do for you.
Most professional treatments involve using bleaching agents to remove the top layer of your teeth’s enamel, lightening the color of your teeth’s dentin using light and sound, and applying a sealant to protect the newly whitened teeth.
Final Thoughts
Whitening your teeth is not always about brushing them. While brushing your teeth is crucial for removing plaque, it is not the only factor determining your teeth’ whiteness. In fact, most of the time, it is not even the most important factor. You must consult a professional whitening specialist if you are serious about whitening your teeth.
Galleria Dental Smiles is a full-service family and cosmetic dental office that provides reliable and high-quality teeth whitening treatments in Herndon, VA. Book an appointment with us today!
