Just as our hair and our skin change with age, our smiles, too, will start to look and feel different as the years go on. This article from our Mill Valley dentists is all about what kinds of dental changes you can expect to notice as time goes on…
Color
If you think that your smile is looking darker or yellower as time goes on, you are not alone. This is a very common occurrence for adult dental patients. You may already know that many beverages and foods, as well as tobacco products, leave color deposits on the enamel over time. Keep in mind that this is happening at the same time that your white dental enamel is wearing away. The thinner your enamel becomes, the more you’ll notice the yellow layer beneath it showing through.
Sensitivity
Because dental enamel and dentin do not contain sensitive dental nerves, we are able to go through most our daily routines without pain. We can, however, begin to experience discomfort when the nerves within the dental pulp are too exposed. If you are living with thinning dental enamel, or if your gum tissue is pulling away from your tooth roots, you’ll likely deal with discomfort as a result.
Vulnerability
As our teeth become older, and the dental enamel on them thins, we are often at a greater risk of developing oral health problems. For example, it is easier for oral bacteria to infiltrate teeth with thin dental enamel than it is to infect teeth with thick and healthy enamel. Weakened enamel is also prone to developing cracks and chips due to accidents or dental trauma.
Dental changes are inevitable, but they aren’t untreatable! Our Mill Valley dentists help patients minimize aesthetic and structural dental issues, and refresh aging teeth to take years off of the appearance of your smile. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team by phone or through our Contact Us page to learn more!