Teeth Whitening

Genetic Surprise Behind Uneven Teeth Whitening Results

You’ve used the same exact teeth-whitening strips as your best friend. Both of you have followed the instructions and done everything perfectly as advised. After two weeks, your friend has dazzling white teeth, while yours remain the same color. Frustrating? Definitely. Unbelievable? Maybe not, for some scientists in the dental field. In a recent research, scientists have found out that there might be other factors that might contribute in making teeth whiter than just using effective products, having enough time, and eating right.

Genetics of Teeth Whitening: The ENAM Gene and Enamel Density

The color of one’s teeth, on first glance, may seem quite normal. One’s enamel is made up of a translucent material, while the dentin provides the color. Coffee, tea or chai, or even tobacco stains usually build’s up over time. However, whitening solutions enter the enamel and oxidize the organic chromogens. Why does it then matter if you carry certain genes? It is because the properties of your own enamel, including its thickness and porosity, play a huge role in how peroxide reacts with your teeth. There are many genetic mechanisms that disturb your ability to whiten teeth, but there is one of the most important. ENAM is a gene that translates a protein known as enamelin. Enamelin is vital for proper enamel crystal growth.

 Dentin Genetics, DSPP Gene, and the Role of Catalase

In addition to enamel properties, there is genetic regulation concerning the natural color of the dentin itself. There is a gene called DSPP that stimulates dentin formation in the body. Some people are endow with natural yellow or gray dentin. Whitening will not change the dentin’s color as much as it will change the enamel’s one. Thus, if your dentin is naturally darker, you will not be able to make your teeth look whiter with whitening. This is a problem associate with tetracycline staining and dentin genesis imperfecta, which are strongly genetically control disorders. Furthermore, genetics also play a role in oxidative phosphorylation. There is an enzyme catalase, genetically program to split hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. If your body produces a lot of catalases, then whitening will likely be ineffective since bleaching agents are neutralize before having time to affect the chromogen molecules.

Practical Takeaways and Reassurance

Practically, what this means is that an indiscriminate use of the same whitening formula for all is scientifically baseless. Some people with poor response could be advise to keep their teeth for a longer time in the solution, increase the concentration under professional monitoring, or opt for power bleaching. Otherwise, the other option would be to give up on the dream if you have genetically dark dentine. What we have to remember is reassuring. Poor results are not necessarily cause by lack of commitment or laziness from you. It is just because nature intended it that way. With such knowledge, both patients and dentists can make more informed decisions to reach the goal.