Many adult patients find that their teeth and gums change as time goes on. It makes sense our smile change just as our hair and skin do with age. In today’s article our Santa Monica dentist is going to be talking about the kinds of aesthetic and functional changes you can expect to see. The good news is that there are treatments available to refresh your smile and restore it, if necessary!
Color
Even the whitest and brightest smiles can become dull or discolored as time goes on. You are probably already aware that a number of popular foods and drinks are discoloring over time. Plus, dental enamel starts to wear away as we get older. Enamel is white, but the tooth layer under it, called “dentin,” is yellow. So, as your enamel thins, you’re able to see more of the yellow dentin through the tooth’s surface.
Sensitivity
If you are experiencing dental pain and sensitivity, it is likely because your dental nerves are no longer adequately shielded from irritants. These nerves are found in the core of the tooth, so it is only after enamel and dentin are damaged that we start feeling discomfort. Dental sensitivity occurs when a patient’s dental enamel has become too thin, and when gum tissue recedes, exposing the dental nerve under the gum line.
Vulnerability
As our teeth age they also become more prone to developing cavities and cracks/chips. Thin enamel is easier than thick enamel for oral bacteria to infiltrate. Additionally, what begin as micro-cracks and chips on the tooth’s surface can become more severe over time.
Have you noticed any of these dental issues in your own life? If the answer is “yes,” then our Santa Monica dentists are here to help you reclaim a youthful smile about which you feel confident. Give our team a call to learn more, or use the Contact Us page on our website to submit a question for our team!