In medieval times, long before the dawn of modern dental science, dentistry was considered to be the job of the local barber (along with surgery). People back then were just as interested in brightening their smiles as we are today. It was common for a barber to apply a few coats of a special acid to a patient’s teeth. While this would bleach the smile to a whiter color, it would also erode the enamel, making the teeth more vulnerable to damage and decay.

Clearly, whiter teeth are not always healthier teeth. Lucky for people today, we have dentists to take care of our teeth instead of barbers. Here’s what you need to know about what color is ideal for teeth and the risk of putting too much emphasis on making them whiter.

It’s often said that an ounce of prevention is equal to a pound of cure. In the realm of gum disease, however, it might amount to even more. It’s one of the most damaging oral health conditions that can take a toll on every part of your oral health.

To learn more about this disease and why you should do all you can to prevent it, continue reading.