Many of us want to have a bright white smile, and teeth like those of Hollywood stars.
But studies suggest that 18-52 percent of people do not feel good about the color of their teeth.
In countries like the United States, tooth whitening is one of the most sought-after medical procedures in the country, while Britons are often referred to as "yellow tooth holders" when exchanging jokes.
In the light of pictures showing white teeth tightly tied in magazines and on film screens around the world, it is not surprising that white teeth are not only attractive but also healthy.
The shape of our teeth depends on their natural color, which is partially affected by our genes, ages, and pigments due to other factors such as smoking, eating, drinking, and taking certain medications.
As a person grows older, his teeth are mostly yellow, because the material known as tooth enamel begins to corrode, revealing the ivory underneath it.
And stains the pigment of teeth affected by foods such as tomato sauce, and coffee, which leave the components of color called "Cromogen", while bacteria or fungi can be left dark pigmented color.
Several tests have been conducted on the color of teeth. Bovine teeth are often used for testing, as they provide researchers with a wider area of the surface of the teeth. Tests are sometimes performed on human teeth that have been removed.
In a study conducted by Mark Wolf at New York University, groups of cow's teeth were soaked for an hour in either black tea, red wine, or white wine, after being distributed in different groups.
It was not surprising that red wine was behind the strongest pigment stains on the teeth. But it is surprising that black tea did not leave teeth on the teeth, unless it was preceded by a white wine.
The acidic content of the wine appears to have made the tooth enamel more porous, allowing the tea to leave its mark on the teeth.
Of course, these pigment stains from food and drink can change the color of our teeth, but that also does not indicate that our teeth are not healthy.
You may have bright white teeth but still have periodontal infections, or cavities. Similarly, you can have perfectly healthy teeth but carry yellow or even brown pigments.
Black spots
There is also a type of pigment that some researchers believe protects teeth from decay. This is in the dark color that is sometimes seen at the edges of the gums, known as "black dye".
Despite the controversy over more than a century ago about the cause of the emergence of this black color, the latest hypotheses indicate that it is part of the so-called "plaque teeth," which include the components of calcium, phosphate, and many compounds of bacteria, and some forms of iron or copper, They contribute to the formation of that black color.
Interestingly enough, some studies have found that children with such black hair are less likely to have tooth decay. It is believed that microbes found in this black dye can represent a kind of protection.
Of course, the color change of teeth may indicate in some cases the presence of caries or other diseases. Therefore, we would prefer to go to the doctor to examine these different color pigments.
It is important to note that non-white teeth are not necessarily in poor condition.
But what if you still want to get shiny white teeth, no matter what others say about your health?
There are many procedures that include using toothpaste, hygienic teeth, or some gel to clean teeth, or dentures worn by others during the night to protect their teeth.
Most of these methods include the use of substances that remove pigment stains from teeth or remove the same white color, or both.
Some of these methods also include the use of a substance that gives a blue smear on the teeth, to resist the yellow matter, which leads to the emergence of teeth in a more brilliant white color.
Dental experts tend to offer treatments that use stronger whitening ingredients than you can find in your home. But a medical review of many of these treatments shows that their effectiveness varies greatly from one case to another.
Dental bleaching operations can also lead to temporary sensitivity in the teeth of some people, or in the gum area.
But unless you continue to bleach, the whiteness of your teeth will last only as much as you avoid foods and beverages that cause these pigments.
At least, you know that the absence of a white smile that we see in the faces of Hollywood stars does not mean that your teeth are not healthy.
Source:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20171208-why-having-white-teeth-doesnt-mean-they-are-healthy