Natural healthy white teeth keeps you way ahead of the game!
Meeting someone for the first time can be a game changer. The saying, “First impressions last” rings very true. In fact, having a good first meeting can actually set the mood of any kind of relationship: romantic, work, and friendship. A set of pearly-white teeth is a good mood setter. Making yourself visually appealing is a great way to present yourself.
There is no big secret; white teeth look clean. It shows how a person takes care of himself/herself.
Everyone likes a person who has good hygiene. This will make people want to engage in a conversation.
Most importantly, having a set of natural healthy white teeth will give you confidence; Confidence in having your voice heard, your feelings expressed, and your beliefs advocated.
Introduction to Teeth
The teeth are the hardest element in the human body. A normal adult mouth has 32 teeth. It consists of Incisors, Canines, Premolars, Molars and Wisdom teeth or third molars.
The teeth are essential for chewing which helps aid in digestion. It tears, cut and grinds the food before we swallow. It also plays an important role in speech. The tongue strikes the teeth or the roof of the mouth in order for the sound to be made.
There are different parts of the teeth in which it has different characteristics and functions. This includes:
Enamel: The white and hardest surface of the tooth. This is the strongest as it protects the inside part. It is made of calcium phosphate, a solid mineral.
Dentin: The hard tissue that can be found underneath the enamel. It contains microscopic tubes.
People suffer from teeth sensitivity when the enamel gets damaged. Heat and cold can pass through in this path and once it reaches the tubes and it will cause a person to feel sensitivity and pain.
Pulp: It is the soft inner part of the teeth. It contains all the necessary blood vessels and nerves.
Cementum: It is a layer of connective tissue. It provides the firm connection of root of the teeth between gums and jawbone.
Periodontal ligament: It is a set of tissue that connects the teeth firmly against the jaw.
These parts as described play an important role. We must keep them clean and treated properly to ensure healthy white teeth.
Why White Teeth Are More Attractive?
According to The Daily Mail, the study conducted by researchers of British universities of Leeds and Central Lancashire found that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people attractive. It is the human equivalent of a peacock’s tail – a sign of health and genetic quality that help choose a mate.
This is the reason billions of dollars are spent in the US for cosmetic dental procedure to keep the teeth white.
Why Do Teeth Get Discolored and Turn Yellow or Darker?
It is natural for the teeth to get discolored. It may turn brownish yellow or a darker shade. Different factors may cause discoloration such as age, diet, lifestyle, medical condition, genetic disorder or hygiene.
The teeth as we age teeth began to lose mineral deposit and the enamel becomes translucent. The dentin, which is naturally in shade of yellow becomes more visible from the outside.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy for head and neck will face this problem. They may find yellow development or stains.
Medication for asthma and high blood pressure also causes teeth yellowing. Smoking, drinking and chewing tobacco will ruin the overall appearance and health of teeth.
Excessive fluoride can also cause this dilemma.
How to Keep Teeth White?
Keeping teeth white is not as hard as you think, or you do not have to leave a hole in your pocket. In fact, moderate lifestyle will keep your teeth white naturally.
Brushing:
Nothing beats brushing when it comes to teeth and gum care. Proper brushing get rids of plaque and built up. Thus, brushing helps to keep your enamel surface shiny free of debris.
Use a toothbrush and water flosser combination to help you and keep teeth healthier whiter.
Flossing:
Flossing is an advanced way to get rid of anything stuck between teeth. It keeps dirt and cavity away preventing any future contamination.
Dental Products and Cleansing:
Visit your dentist and check your oral health regularly.
There are medical treatments and products that will help to keep your teeth white and get rid of all the existing spots and discoloration.
Such as prophy paste. It is a unique product best for teeth whitening/polishing. It helps to remove plaque and treat discoloration. Fortunately, it only has 0.1% of fluoride. So those who have a prejudice against fluoride can use prophy paste.
Prophy paste is also good for implants and fillings. Thankfully, you get a wide range of flavors to choose from. For more information about prophy paste look up into wonderful dental website.
Another one is fluoride varnish, came into the oral health industry in 1964 and since then it prevails. It is an effective procedure against tooth decay and demineralization in children.
It does not only protect your teeth but also make them stronger and whiter. It is also recommended for adults suffering from tooth sensitivity.
When you first apply it, your teeth may look dull white or even pale yellow. But don’t worry it will fade away once the product sets nicely.
Consult with your dentist or oral hygienist about various products. Let them know your concerns so they may guide you properly.
Oil Pulling:
Put 1TBSP of oil in your mouth. Play a game of pushing and pulling the oil through your teeth. That means, swishing the oil all over your mouth. The best duration is 15-20 minutes but as you start you may not like the idea much.
Start with 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then increase the range regularly. Afterward, brush your teeth.
As for oil, there are many options. Basically, all oils will do. Sesame and sunflower oil are popular in the Indian region. But coconut is most preferable as it has a better taste than others and provides you with additional benefits.
Coconut oil has inflammation reducing and bacteria-killing properties due to its high lauric acid content. This keeps the teeth clean of plaque on the enamel.
Note: Spit the coconut oil or any oil in the toilet and flush or in a trash can as spitting in the basin may clog the pipes where the oil may solidify.
Diet:
Avoiding food that may cause discoloration can help you in keeping your teeth white and pay more attention on what is helpful in keeping them healthy.
Identify Drinks that can cause Discoloration
There are foods that can stain your teeth. Drinks like tea, red wines, coffee, carbonated beverages easily stain the enamel. And when they are regularly taken, they will leave a deeper impression hard to get rid of.
Limit their intake and don’t forget to brush properly. You may use a straw to avoid direct contact with teeth. Gargle using mouthwash after consuming such food.
Tobacco, smoke, and alcohols fall in the same category. These may ruin your teeth internally.
Throw Sugar Out of Diet
Sugar does no good to your body. They are very bad for health.
Sugary food gets stuck on enamel and invites bacterial growth. Sugar also increases Streptococcus mutans growth which becomes foundation of plaque and gingivitis.
Increase Calcium in Your Diet
Calcium is what enamel is made of. Teeth wear out and need new calcium deposit to build-up. It strengthens the teeth and makes them appear white again.
This is the reason why it is advisable to eat lots of calcium-rich foods like cheese, milk, broccoli, etc. to deal with the erosion.
Final Note
Making one’s teeth white isn’t an overnight thing. You don’t wake up one morning and have your teeth white. You must make taking better care of your teeth a habit. Think of it as a long-term personal goal.
It is a matter of focusing on what you want. Every meal on everyday make an effort to tend to your teeth. Give it the time and care that it deserves. After all, who else can do it but you, right?
Take it step by step; Invest in proper cleaning tools, follow a schedule, and make sure to do it all over again the next day.
Never worry again about future dental problems and take care of them now. Remember, prevention is always better.
It’s also worth remembering that teeth merely being white is not in itself all that you might want to aim for. For instance, you might also want to work on other factors, such as having straight teeth, which you can achieve by using clear aligners. You might also want to get bridges for any missing teeth too. All in all, having a good smile means focusing on all of these at once.
If you can do that, then you are going to be able to enjoy your own smile and the confidence that it brings.
