Why having white teeth does not necessarily mean that they are healthy

Most of us would like to have a shiny white smile.

But there are studies that show that between 18% and 52% of people are not satisfied with the color of their teeth.

In the United States, for example, teeth whitening is one of the most requested dental procedures, while the British are often the target of jokes for their imperfect dentures.

White and perfect teeth populate covers of magazines and movie screens around the world.

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It is not surprising then that tend to suppose that they are not only attractive, but also healthy.

The tone of our teeth depends on their intrinsic color, influenced in part by our genes and our age, combined with the spots of smoking, eating, drinking and taking certain medications.

As we get older, our teeth usually become more yellow as the enamel begins to wear out, exposing the dentine (the ivory of the teeth) underneath.

Stains and Colors

The spots add to the yellowish teeth, for food such as tomato-based sauces and coffee that leave colored compounds called chromogens, while bacteria or fungi can cause greenish and greyish spots.

Many of the experiments on tooth color have been carried out in laboratory test tubes rather than in the mouths of living people.

Cows ' teeth are often used because they give researchers a larger surface to study, but sometimes they also use extracted human teeth.

A study by Mark Wolff of New York University soakeded The cows ' teeth for an hour in black tea, red wine and white wine.

It was not surprising that the red wine left the stains stronger. But the black tea did not stain the teeth unless it had been preceded by the white wine.

The acid content of the wine would make the enamel slightly more porous, allowing the tea to leave its mark.

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These stains of food and beverages may discolor the teeth, but do not indicate that the teeth are not healthy.

You can have white teeth and still have gum infections or cavities. In the same way, perfectly healthy teeth can be whitish, yellowish or even brown.

"Black Spot"

There's even a kind of stain that some investigators think could protect against decay.

The dark edge that is sometimes seen on the margins of the gum line — and can be seen as a series of dark dots — is known as a "black spot."

Although its origin has been discussed for more than a century, the last belief is that it is a special type of dental plaque that comprises calcium, phosphate, various bacteria and some form of iron or copper compound, which gives rise to black color.

Interestingly, some studies — although not all — have found that children with black spots are less likely to have cavities as microbes in the stain may be in some way protective.

Of course, in some cases, discoloration may indicate cavities or other illnesses, so it is worth the dentist to check the stains.

Just as white teeth are not necessarily healthy, stains are not necessarily bad.

But what if you still want shiny white teeth, regardless of what they say about their health?

There is a wide range of whitening interventions such as toothpastes, strips and gels.

Most contain abrasive substances that eliminate stains. Some even carry a substance that adds a bluish dye to the teeth to counteract any yellowness, resulting in teeth that look even more white.

Professionals tend to offer treatments that use stronger bleaches than can be found in homemade products.

But its efficacy varies considerably. Whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity to some people's teeth or gums.

And, of course, unless you continue with a treatment, whiteness will only last as long as you avoid the food and beverages that caused the stains.

But at least now you know that not having a perfect white smile doesn't mean you don't have healthy teeth.