As we grow older, it’s not uncommon to notice our teeth losing their youthful brightness and becoming darker or stained. Research shows that the aging process significantly affects tooth color; older adults tend to have a darker tooth color than younger people.
Several factors contribute to this change, and understanding them can help you take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy and confident smile. Here’s what we here at Advanced Care Dentistry, under the direction of Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, want you to know about tooth discoloration, aging, and treatments to boost whiteness.
The outer layer of your teeth — the enamel — protects the softer inner layer called dentin. Over time, enamel naturally wears down due to years of chewing, brushing, and exposure to acidic foods and drinks.
As your enamel thins, the yellowish dentin beneath becomes more visible, causing your teeth to appear darker or more yellow. This gradual erosion is a normal part of aging, but practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can help slow the process.
You can also reduce enamel wear by limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages and rinsing your mouth with water between meals. Regular dental cleanings are also important in maintaining healthy enamel.
Dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, also changes as you age. With time, dentin thickens, which can also contribute to darker-appearing teeth.
Your body responds to everyday chewing wear-and-tear by producing more dentin. As a result, your tooth becomes less translucent and more opaque, which can dull the natural brightness of your smile.
The foods and beverages you consume play a significant role in the color of your teeth, especially if you consume them year after year. Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola, as well as foods like berries and sauces, can stain your teeth over time.
As your enamel thins with age, it becomes easier for these stains to penetrate deeper into your teeth, leading to more noticeable discoloration.
Smoking or using other forms of tobacco also accelerates tooth discoloration. Tobacco stains are often deep and difficult to remove with brushing alone. Over time, the stains build up to create a dingy smile.
Quitting smoking and cutting out other forms of tobacco protect your teeth from further staining and promote overall good health.
Maintaining consistent oral hygiene can become more challenging as you age because of health issues or limited mobility. You may also simply become less diligent about regular and thorough brushing and flossing.
Neglecting your oral care allows plaque and tartar to build up, leading to yellowing and darkening of the teeth. Regular dental cleanings and a strong at-home routine are essential to keeping your teeth bright and healthy.
Some degree of teeth darkening is just going to happen as you age due to uncontrollable circumstances, but there are steps you can take to preserve the brightness of your smile:
If you’ve noticed your teeth getting darker as you age, our dental team is here to help. We offer a range of treatments, including professional whitening, to help you achieve a brighter, more youthful smile. Over-the-counter whitening products can also be helpful, but professional treatments are generally more effective and safer for aging teeth.
Call Advanced Care Dentistry or use this website to book an appointment. Let us help you maintain and restore the natural beauty of your teeth.
