Making your smile more beautiful

Words and translated by Audrey Liu

There are two main reasons the color of one's teeth changes. One is long-term exposure from eating and other habits, including smoking and drinking wine, tea or coffee. The other cause is maternal or infant medication (taking antibiotics like tetracycline), which can change teeth colors to yellow, or even gray and blue.

A remedy to this--teeth whitening--is not new, having started as a treatment in the 1970s. More recently, Taiwan has imported laser whitening technology, while some dentists recommend whitening strips and whitening pens. However, it is important to note that some whitening products are marketed and sold online without applying or registering for approval from or inspection by Taiwan's FDA. Thus, no compensation or liability is available in the event of a problem when using these potentially dangerous products.

Before opting for teeth whitening, go to a dentist and do a thorough oral examination as the very first step. Your dentist will give you a proper suggestion based on your personal condition. However, for pregnant or lactating women, and those with diabetes or heart disease, teeth whitening is not suitable. Such treatments also involve a chemical reaction that may still cause invisible surface damage to teeth, with one possible side effect being sensitive teeth. According to foreign reports, about 60% of people also experience allergies after doing teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is not everlasting and to maintain the whitening effect the usual maintenance work is necessary. In the end, the best way to prevent the need for whitening in the first place is avoiding smoking and drinking less wine, coffee, or tea, as well as remembering to gargle immediately after eating or drinking.