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Whiter Teeth in One Week?
The facts about tooth whitening (Part 1)
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.
There is no denying it, a dazzling mouth full of pearly whites does wonders for one’s appearance. But, are all those whitening strips, toothpastes, and dental treatments really worth it? Are there more natural alternatives? To answer these questions lets start with the basics.
The Anatomy of a Tooth
Teeth are more than meets the eye. While we only really see the crown of the tooth there are actually five major parts that play a vital role in a healthy mouth. These parts include:
- Enamel – the extremely hard outer surface covering the crown of the tooth. It is made of hydroxyapetite, a compound containing calcium and phosphorous.
- Dentin – another hard surface sitting just below the enamel. It makes up the majority of the tooth’s structure and actually gives a tooth its color.
- Pulp – the inner structure of the tooth which houses the nerves and blood vessels that nourish and support the tooth.
- Root – the portion of the tooth below the gum that connects to the jaw bone.
- Cementum – a covering over the root of the tooth which anchors it to the jaw.
(Click here for a diagram of a tooth)
The Structure of a Stain
Everything that comes in contact with our teeth has the potential to leave an unsightly film. This film tends to adhere to the enamel, yet can often be minimized through daily brushing and regular cleanings performed by a qualified dental hygienist. Toothpastes that are specially-designed to whiten contain abrasives that are somewhat effective at scrubbing away outer stains. However, over time, stains can seep through the porous enamel and color the dentin underneath. Toothpaste alone can not reach this inner layer of the tooth.
Whitening is a Science
When the dentin of a tooth becomes discolored, the best way to effectively lighten this inner layer is by setting off a chemical reaction. In a similar fashion to bleaching your hair, when using tooth whiteners, you, or your dentist are putting chemicals (often containing peroxide) on your teeth. These chemicals seep through the enamel and bleach the dentin underneath.
Not Always a Bright Idea
While teeth whitening treatments are often effective, there are some situations where they are not helpful and could even be harmful. If you meet the following criteria, forgo at-home treatments and discuss your whitening options with a reputable dentist:
- You have sensitive teeth – since the bleaching chemicals penetrate into the inner layer of the tooth, they can impact the nerves and cause sensitivity. The addition of fluoride is helpful in strengthening the enamel and limiting sensitivity, but it may not be a fix for all patients.
- You have a bonded tooth (teeth), fillings, or a crown made of synthetic materials in the front of your mouth - synthetic materials will not lighten when bleaching agents are applied making them more noticeable next to newly whitened teeth.
- You have sore or tender gums or periodontal disease – the bleaching solution inevitably will seep into the gum area, so inflamed or infected gum tissue would be aggravated by these chemicals. Any underlying gum disease or cavities should be treated before undertaking tooth whitening.
Keep in mind, not all stains are external, some dental stains originate from the inside of the tooth and relate to genetics, medication use (tetracycline) and underlying disease. In these instances, your dentist can recommend other options for improving the look of your teeth.
Healthy Mouth Essentials
Whitening treatments can improve the appearance of your teeth, but truly caring for your smile can be achieved through a much more natural approach. While we all know that daily brushing and flossing help to keep a mouth healthy, we sometimes forget the importance of what we eat and drink. The worst offenders in terms of staining our teeth include tobacco, coffee, tea, and red wine. And, while stains are unsightly, cavities are even more bothersome. To help keep your teeth healthy and strong, follow these tips:
- Munch on tooth-friendly foods such as cheese, meats, and nuts. These foods neutralize acidity in the mouth which helps keep plaque bacteria at bay.
- Focus on re-mineralizing teeth with calcium by consuming dairy products and calcium supplements that won’t stick to your teeth (ex. Adora Calcium).
- Avoid sticky foods and candies like caramels, taffy, dried fruit, and chewy calcium supplements. These foods tend to stick to the crevices of teeth and provide an easy place for bacteria to breed.
- If possible brush after all meals and snacks, or chew sugarless gum and drink water to help stimulate saliva that can eliminate lingering food particles.
For more tips, catch next month’s Part Two of “Whiter Teeth in One Week” where we explore the pros and cons of whitening options.
References:
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Tooth Anatomy, 10/6/06. retrieved 8/16/07 LINK
Kerr, A Ross, DDS, MSD. Tooth Discoloration, 3/16/07. eMedicine from WebMD. retrieved on 8/16/07 LINK
Morley, Kathryn C. Enamel: Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoroapatite. retrieved 8/16/07 LINK
Gordon, Jerry, DMD. How Tooth Whitening Works. HowStuffWorks.com. retrieved 8/16/07 LINK
ADA, American Dental Association. Tooth Whitening Treatments. retrieved 8/16/07 LINK
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health from Aetna Dental Plans. Mouth-Healthy Eating. Reviewed by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. 11/3/05. retrieved 8/16/07 LINK
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Published by circle of health (formerly nw | health and bone)
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circle of health does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. circle of health compiles information from a variety of public sources to provide individuals with the tools to actively and naturally promote bone health and other related women's health issues. We encourage the broad use of the web to provide additional information. Consult your physician or other health professional in regard to specific medical conditions. |
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