Since 1996, on an average, Americans have spent an average of 1. 4 million dollars annually on teeth whitening (source 2 and 3). In order to see an effect on their tooth color they must maintain tooth health (source 1). Tooth health is related to hygiene, aging and genetics, and external factors. Tooth health is related to hygiene, genetics, and external factors. “You can help keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. “(Source 1) When people eat a lot of foods that contain caffeine or sugar has a major impact of the color of your teeth (source 1).
Going to the dentist is important to keep tooth health maintained (source 1). If people do not go see their dentist there is a chance they can get cavities (source 2). “If we are not taking care of our teeth, we’re not going to get very effective whitening from any type of product” (source 3). Brushing teeth is a daily thing that needs to be done, but many people do not brush them right (source 4). While brushing you are supposed to brush back and forth, but also in circular motions (source 4). Also, to prevent gum disease you must floss (source 4).
Gum disease begins with plaque buildup this can cause infections that can harm the gum (source 4). “Primary micro plastics are small plastics that are made as fillers, for “sandblasting,” or as a way of transporting pre-consumer plastics. These include “microbeads” which are found in many personal care products” (source 11). If people brush their teeth with tooth paste that contains micro plastics, and then spit it out into the sink, it could go down the drain which leads to the ocean (source 11). Animals could see this plastic, think its food, eat it, and could die (source 11).
Plastic is a biodegradable substance which means it never goes away. The plastic could wash up on to the beach and contaminate it (source 11). “… Teeth will get darker with age. For older people, their teeth will turn kind of a brownish yellow- not necessarily from smoking, from coffee and wine” (source 3). Teeth discoloration is caused from changes that occur in the dentin (source 9). Coffee or wine also plays a big part in tooth discoloration (source 3). “…. colors can naturally vary from person to person” (source 10). Because of genetics, the dentin in our teeth is more transparent than others.
Dentin is the hard and dense layer under the enamel (source 9). Also, not all people are born with perfectly white teeth. No one hears of a baby being born with sparkling white teeth. In fact, not all babies are born with the same tooth shade. “Aging is not pretty, and your mouth is no exception” (source 10). Fluoride, rinses, and gels can help make your teeth look and feel younger (source 14). To keep your smile healthy, you must: brush with fluoride, floss at least twice a day, and visit your dentist regularly (source 14).
A lifetime of crunching and knawing, and grinding wear away the outer layer of enamel and flattens the biting edges” (source 14). Common ways teeth can be cracked are: chewing on sticky, hard, and other types of foods (source 12). Sometimes, when people eat or drink something hot and then immediately consume something cold this causes a reaction that can cause the tooth to crack (source 12). “Teeth are amazingly strong. But they’re not indestructible” (source 14). When a person’s tooth cracks, it may be small but could cause a lot of pain because of pulp irritation.
Pulp is a soft tissue that contains the nerves and vessels of the tooth. Hard foods like ice, jawbreakers, lollipops, or any type of food that is hard can chip, crack, or damage a tooth. Sticky foods like gummy bears, jolly ranchers, taffy, sour patch kids and more can also cause damage (source 12). “Teeth are sometimes infected or crowding other teeth in the mouth (source 15). If the crack is small enough the person may be lucky and not need extraction. Instead they could have a quick procedure like filling it in or cealence. There are two types of extractions: a surgical extraction or a simple extraction.
Simple extractions are performed on a tooth that is visible. The dentist loosens the tooth with a tool called an elevator and then they will remove the tooth with a forceps. Surgical Extractions are when a tooth has not broken the gum line and you must have anesthesia (source 12). Tooth health is the first step for getting a sparkling smile. A healthy smile does not just come natural; people must have good hygiene, genetics, and external factors (source 1). Through the scientific research still occurring today, new products are being developed (source 5).
