The novel grapples with the complexities of identity formation in a multicultural society. Archie and Samad, despite their long friendship, represent vastly different cultural backgrounds. Their children, growing up in a diverse London, face their own struggles with identity, torn between their parents' traditions and the allure of assimilation. Irie, Archie's daughter, embodies this struggle, yearning for acceptance while questioning her place in both Jamaican and British cultures.

Smith deftly weaves historical events into the narrative, highlighting how the past continues to shape the present. The shadow of World War II looms large over Archie and Samad, influencing their worldviews and life choices. Similarly, the legacy of colonialism and the immigrant experience are ever-present, impacting the characters' sense of belonging and their interactions with one another.

'White Teeth' portrays the intricate dynamics within families and across generations. Archie and Samad's differing approaches to parenting highlight the cultural clashes and compromises that arise. Their children, navigating their own identities, rebel against their parents' expectations, leading to both humorous and poignant moments of conflict and reconciliation.