A white smile is highly prized by many people. Many get it through artificial means if they don't have it naturally. Most don't realize what makes their teeth white when they are young, how they get discolored over the years or how common whitening treatments restore a more pleasing color.
Features
Your teeth start out white when they first grow into your mouth. Linda Dyett of the Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains that teeth are naturally covered with a protective enamel layer. The enamel is white and smooth like porcelain. It gives teeth an appealing cosmetic appearance and protects them from food acids and the destructive impact of chewing, grinding and gnashing.
Effects
Enamel is susceptible to damage over time. It develops microscopic cracks, according to Dyett, and wears down as you age. The cracks allow trapping of food particles, which causes staining. Worn enamel lets the underlying tooth surface show through. The surface is made of a yellow material called dentin, which makes the teeth appear discolored. Smoking and certain medications also turn them yellow or brownish.
Considerations
Frequent brushing helps keep your teeth stay white by getting food out of the enamel cracks. Certain toothpastes contain chemicals that break down strains and abrasives that scrub them away more effectively, according to Dr. Alan Carr of the Mayo Clinic. The effect is often minimal because they do not repair worn enamel. They only work on the surface, Dyett explains. The white eventually fades as the cracks refill with staining materials. You hasten the staining process if you eat carrots and oranges and drink colas, tea, coffee and red wine.
Alternatives
There are ways to make your teeth white artificially by bleaching them. The effect is more dramatic than what you can achieve with toothpaste, and it lasts longer. Many dental offices do whitening procedures or sell do-it-yourself products. Whitening gels are also widely available in stores. They are applied by wearing a tray or in strip form. Dentist-applied treatments whiten teeth more quickly because they contain stronger active-ingredient concentrations, according to Dyett.
Warning
Artificial teeth whitening can cause side effects. Dyett warns that many people develop sensitivity to heat and cold. It usually disappears within a day or two of the bleaching treatment, but it can persist for up to a month. An over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth will relieve the discomfort. Dyett states up to 50 percent of people who bleach their teeth have some degree of gum irritation. It may last for several days after the whitening treatment, but it usually heals without any complications. The American Dental Association recommends looking for its seal of approval on whitening treatments, as this means they have met certain quality and safety standards.
