It’s normal for our smiles to change with age, but it’s also normal to want to address these aesthetic and functional changes with effective treatment! Our Mill Valley dentists have put together some helpful information about how and why smiles change as time goes on. Keep reading to learn more…
Color
Even the most sparkling white smiles can start to look yellow, discolored, and stained over time. Some of this is the result of environmental staining from foods, drinks, and tobacco products. However, some discoloration occurs because the dental enamel is thinning and wearing away over time. As this process continues, you’ll be able to see more and more of the yellow dentin beneath the enamel.
Sensitivity
For the most part, we are able to eat, drink, and speak without experiencing dental pain. This is because the protective layers of our teeth—the enamel and dentin—do not contain nerves. There are, however, nerves in the core of the tooth, in the dental pulp. So, you will likely experience discomfort if your enamel has become too thin or if your gum tissue is pulling away from you tooth roots.
Vulnerability
It is also important to remember that aging teeth can be more prone to developing oral health problems than young teeth are. As your dental enamel becomes thinner, it becomes easier and easier for oral bacteria to take root in your teeth. Teeth with thin enamel are also prone to developing cracks and chips due to dental trauma.
If your smile isn’t looking as luminous or attractive as it once did, our Mill Valley dentists are here to help you love your teeth again. Get started with our team by calling our office, or by using the Contact Us page on our site!