‘Prioritize oral health over white teeth’
Dentist at the University of Ghana Medical Center, Dr. Philippa Asamoah Larbi, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize oral health over purely cosmetic aspirations such as achieving perfectly white teeth.
Speaking on the Health and Wellness segment of Zed in the Morning with Jerry Halm on Zed 101.9FM, Dr. Larbi emphasized that tooth colour is largely influenced by genetics and not everyone is naturally meant to have bright white teeth.
“The shade of your teeth is linked to genetics,” she explained. “Some families naturally do not have white teeth, and that doesn’t mean they have poor oral hygiene.
On the other hand, some individuals have white teeth regardless of what they do.” Dr. Larbi emphasized that society’s obsession with bright white teeth can often lead to unnecessary and sometimes harmful cosmetic procedures.
She further addressed a common misconception that teeth should remain as white in adulthood as they were in childhood. According to Dr. Larbi, baby teeth, or milk teeth, appear whiter due to the thicker enamel that covers them. As we age, the enamel thins, revealing the naturally yellow dentin layer underneath, which leads to teeth appearing more yellow. “No one has white dentin; it’s naturally yellow,” she said, adding that this process is a normal part of aging and not an indicator of poor dental health.
Dr. Larbi’s insights come at a time when the global cosmetic dentistry market is booming. Valued at $33.6 billion in 2022, the market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030.
The increasing demand for procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic treatments reflects society’s growing focus on aesthetics.
However, Dr. Larbi cautioned against chasing cosmetic perfection at the expense of overall dental health.
While cosmetic procedures can enhance appearance, Dr. Larbi urged people to take a more holistic approach to their dental care. “Maintaining healthy teeth and gums should always be the priority,” she stressed, encouraging regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist. “Strong, healthy teeth will serve you better in the long run than just having white teeth.”
She also warned that overzealous teeth whitening procedures can sometimes damage enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and other dental issues. “It’s important to consult a professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Whitening isn’t suitable for everyone,” she said. As cosmetic dentistry becomes more accessible and its popularity continues to rise, Dr. Larbi’s message serves as an important reminder that oral health should always come first. “At the end of the day, having healthy teeth is far more important than having white teeth,” she concluded, encouraging Ghanaians to focus on sustainable dental habits rather than chasing fleeting aesthetic trends.
