Does Your Teeth Darken with Age?
dental careflossinghygiene tipsTeeth Whitening

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11 April 2022

Does Your Teeth Darken with Age?

The natural aging process mainly causes teeth darkening. The hard outer tissue covering our teeth, known as enamel, wears away as we age, revealing the darker dentin. Due to that, our teeth start changing their color into gray or yellow instead of white.  

Certain medications can also cause additional tooth staining. Tetracycline staining is the most well-known when tetracycline drugs become absorbed into the tooth structure during dental growth in infancy and youth. Your teeth seem transparent and gray as a result of this.  

 

What is the reason behind darkening teeth?   

The natural ageing process mainly causes teeth darkening. The hard outer tissue covering our teeth, known as enamel, wears away as we age, revealing the darker dentin. Due to that, our teeth start changing their color into grey or yellow instead of white. 

Certain medications can also cause additional tooth staining. Tetracycline staining is the most well-known when tetracycline drugs become absorbed into the tooth structure during dental growth in infancy and youth. Your teeth seem transparent and grey as a result of this. 

 

Prevent wear and tear  

 

Your teeth are strong. When eating, crushing, and biting, it tears away the enamel, the hard outer covering of your teeth; it also flattens your mouth and teeth. 

You can’t undo a lifetime of wear and tears until a dentist repairs it, but you can protect it from growing worse. Chew on ice or other hard items. It might result in enamel chips and even fractured teeth. 

In addition to poor bites, which may require orthodontic treatment, grinding your teeth at night might also lead to worn teeth, requiring a mouthguard at night. Consult your dentist 

 

Is tooth darkening preventable? 

 

Fortunately, you may avoid many types of tooth darkening by making a few lifestyle modifications. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, as well as quitting smoking, are excellent ways to prevent future tooth discoloration. 

Regular dental cleanup every six months is an effective strategy to prevent plaque or tartar accumulation from harming teeth and prematurely eroding the tooth enamel that keeps your teeth appearing dazzling white.  

However, even the most substantial preventative measures aren’t always enough; some yellowing may occur while you age. 

 

Maintain good oral health.  

 

Plaque, a sort of bacteria, is almost always developing on your tooth. If you do not remove it, it might cause discomfort, swelling, and bleeding in your gums. It can also develop infections that harm the bone beneath the skin. 

Your dentist will treat gum disease, called periodontics. A visit to the dentist is necessary because if you do not let the dentist check your teeth, you will face harmful effects in future, such as gum issues or products on tooth bones. Listed below are some warning signs of gum disease. 

  • Bleeding when you brush your teeth 
  • Gums that reduce or pull back from the teeth  
  • Loose teeth  
  • Bad breath 

 

Taking proper care of your teeth is the most significant way to maintain your gum health. Brush your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day will help you maintain gum health. A monthly visit to your dentist would help your gum health efficiently. 

  

What is the procedure for tooth darkening? 

 

To restore your teeth to their natural brilliance, you can choose from a wide range of procedures, and your specific needs will determine the one you choose. Some teeth whitening procedures are: 

  • Whitening agent: Over-the-counter whitening treatments are available, but you should use them with caution. If your discoloration results from age or dental enamel weakening, utilizing abrasive or chemical whiteners may exacerbate the condition. 
  • In-office whitening: It is an effective procedure for patients whose teeth darken because of their unhealthy lifestyle. It is also not suitable for age-related discoloration. 
  • With dental veneers: made of custom-made porcelain, you can not only correct tooth discoloration but also fix other dental issues. You can achieve a healthier, brighter looking smile in just a few minutes. 
  • Dental bonding: your dentist will use this procedure when a single tooth is darkening due to oral trauma or another injury.  

 

Conclusion  

 

Your dentist will offer you various solutions for each sort of tooth darkening. All you need to do is contact your nearest or the best dentist in your town to prevent tooth discoloration. They will assist you in determining the best whitening method for you.   

To protect your teeth from future harmful effects due to tooth darkening, it is your responsibility to visit your dentist from time to time. Otherwise, it causes another disease. Happy smile!