Are My White Teeth Healthy?

There is no denying that having white teeth not only boosts your confidence but also causes to you feel healthier, right? You smile more because you enjoy your new appearance but unfortunately, it doesn’t always mean your pearly whites are free of decay and other common oral health problems. Read on to learn why whiter teeth don’t always mean your smile is in optimal shape and why you should continue to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

The Underlying Truth About Your Teeth

The first thing you should know is that teeth are not naturally the brighter white that Is achieved through whitening. They are actually more of an off-white shade and can easily darken as you get older. This should not cause you to be alarmed, but should you discover your teeth appear brown, black, or green, you’ll need to seek the help of a professional.

But if you decide, instead, to pursue teeth whitening solutions on your own, you may not realize that your pearly whites are suffering from minor or major oral health problems. Typically, when seeing a professional for these services, you’ll undergo a full examination to ensure you show no signs of tooth decay or gum disease. However, over-the-counter whitening solutions can easily mask problem areas, leading you to think you have a healthy smile.

As time passes, issues begin to evolve, causing pain, swelling, discomfort, and the potential for serious, complex ailments that can only be treated with advanced dental treatment (i.e., periodontal therapy, root canal, tooth extraction, etc.).

What You Can Do to Keep Your Teeth Whiter and Healthier

If you want to ensure the health and aesthetics of your smile for years to come, you’ll need to make sure you’re incorporating these changes into your daily life.

• Avoiding dark-colored beverages and foods to prevent staining
• Consume hard foods like fruits and vegetables to scrub away remnants of any potentially harmful particles that try to adhere to teeth
• Maintaining optimal oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly
• Quit smoking
• Meet with your dentist in Richardson for regular six-month checkups and cleanings to ensure your teeth are healthy and free of any problematic signs that might lead to tooth decay, infection, or disease
• Seek professional help for teeth whitening services, so a full exam can be completed beforehand

Adopting these special tasks can help you enjoy your beautiful smile. This way, the next time you look in the mirror, you can be confident that your teeth are free of decay and looking brighter and whiter than ever before.

About the Practice
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, we want you to enjoy healthy teeth. This is why he offers professional teeth whitening services as well as preventive services. Designed to improve the health and aesthetics of your smile, these treatments can help to create a more beautiful appearance without sacrificing the health of a person’s smile. If you are looking to talk to someone about the state of your teeth, contact us at (972) 231-5376.