TeenHealthFX - Answers - Want Pearly White Teeth

Mouth And Teeth / Question
Published: August 15, 2001

Dear TeenHealthFX,

My teeth are a yucky shade of yellow. What is the best way to brighten them?

Signed: Want Pearly White Teeth

Dear Want Pearly White Teeth,

Some people are genetically pre-disposed to have darker colored teeth. Environmental factors such as staining foods like wine, tea, coffee and tobacco use also contribute to the problem. Avoiding these products, especially tobacco, can improve your smile. Some people who have used the antibiotic tetracycline can also develop permanent stains on their teeth.

For people who have yellow teeth it is not realistic for them to believe that their teeth will become as white as a piece of paper. What you can expect is to get them 2-3 shades lighter then they are now. A rule of thumb is that the whitest your teeth can become is as whites as the whites of your eyes.

TeenHealthFX feels that it is a good idea for you to see your dentist about your discolored teeth. Here are some ideas that you can discuss with him/her:

Over the counter products such as whitening toothpastes can help but they usually take time to work. Be careful because many whitening toothpastes use harsh abrasives to clean teeth. Over long periods of time use of these harsh abrasives begin to remove tooth enamel causing teeth to become yellow and sensitive to changes in temperature.

Bleaching teeth has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. This procedure used to be only preformed in a dentist's office but now there are products available that let you do it at home. The problem with these home kits is that if you do not follow the directions precisely you could wind up ingesting some bleach or irritating the gums. If you are considering bleaching TeenHealthFX recommends that you consult your dentist first. Your dentist could perform the procedure or guide you through the home process.

Home bleaching can take from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the degree of tooth discoloration. There are some new over the counter products known as whitening strips that have been getting good results. "White Strips" is a product that seems to generate good outcomes. Most of these over the counter products only remove stains on the tooth surface. There is very little actual bleaching.

People with sensitive teeth should avoid bleaching. Bleaching could increase the sensitivity of your teeth and cause significant pain. You should also be aware that if you have tooth colored fillings, crowns or porcelain restorations, they would not lighten during the bleaching process. After bleaching, the teeth will whiten but the dental work will stay the same color. The only way to fix the problem is to replace the fillings, which involves a lot of time and expense.

Your teeth are very important and you need to care for them properly. Without proper care plaque can build up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a thin colorless, sticky film containing bacteria, which constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria produce an acid that attacks the enamel that covers teeth. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity can form. Left unchecked, acid attacks eventually break down the enamel and penetrate the softer, inner layer of the tooth. Most acid attacks begin immediately after every meal or snack and last about 20-30 minutes. This is the reason why most professionals encourage you to brush your teeth and floss after each meal.

The American Dental Association has these tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean:

Teeth Brushing

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.

Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth services, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up and down stroke.

Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

If you have a dental appliance or braces there are Orthodontic toothbrushes designed to make tooth brushing easier.

Flossing

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gums line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method for the rest of your teeth.

Don?t forget the backside of your last tooth.

If you wear a dental appliance or braces, pay special attention to keeping the spaces between the teeth and archwires clean by using floss threaders.

Eating a balanced diet and limiting in between snacks is another way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you have to snack choose healthy foods such as raw vegetables, fruits or plain yogurt.

If you play a contact sport you may want to consider being fitted for a custom-made mouth gaurd. Although they are not very glamorous, it will give protection against dental injuries.

Signed: TeenHealthFX