Many people find that, as they get older, their smiles start to change in a number of ways. While this is a totally normal occurrence, it isn’t inevitable; there are things you can do to combat age-related dental issues. Keep reading to learn more from our Glendale dentists about what kinds of changes you can anticipate…
Color
Young, healthy, and thick enamel is naturally some shade of white. However, we expose our teeth to a wide number of staining foods, drinks, and tobacco products every single day; over time discoloration can accumulate and become quite noticeable. Another issue is that dental enamel wears away over time, exposing more and more of the tooth layer beneath it. This tooth layer is called “dentin” and it is yellower than enamel. The more dentin you’re able to see, the yellower your smile as a whole will appear.
Sensitivity
Dental enamel and dentin don’t contain dental nerves, which is why we are able to chew, speak, and sip without pain. There are, however, dental nerves in the core of the tooth, in the dental pulp. When these nerves are too exposed, we start to experience dental pain and sensitivity. You may start to feel discomfort because your enamel is thinning, or because your gum tissue has started to pull away from your tooth root. Both of these scenarios allow irritants to reach sensitive nerves.
Vulnerability
As your teeth age, they will likely become more prone to developing cavities and other types of dental damage. Thin enamel is not as effective as thick enamel at deflecting bacteria. Thin enamel is also easier to crack or chip in the event of an accident or dental trauma.
If you are noticing these kinds of changes to your own smile, our Glendale dentists can help you create a treatment plan that works for you. The best way to get started is to call our team to learn more or to schedule a consultation.