Are you concerned that your teeth are starting to appear darker than usual? We all want a healthy smile and whiter teeth, so if they start changing color it can be disheartening. If you have started to notice a change in color, there are several reasons why this could be happening.
Why Do Teeth Change Color?
Age can play a big part in the discoloration of teeth. As we grow older, our teeth can start changing color as tooth enamel starts growing thinner. As the years go on, teeth enamel grows thinner and more translucent, which leads to the underlying layer showing through. This layer is called dentin and can often result in teeth appearing darker, as it's yellow in color.
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining the whiteness of teeth as well as overall oral health. If you don't brush often enough or give them a thorough two minute clean every time, plaque can build-up. Excessive plaque in the mouth can cause the breakdown of tooth enamel, resulting in dentin showing through.
You may also notice that as tooth enamel wears down, teeth are more open to staining based on the food and beverages you consume. If you enjoy a lot of coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, wine, and starchy foods, your lifestyle may be affecting the appearance of your teeth.
If you had an accident at a young age that disturbed the development of tooth enamel, this could also be a cause in your teeth changing color. When a mouth experiences trauma, it can result in the discoloration of teeth in children and adults as it causes a decrease in blood flow to the teeth or nerve death.
Everyone wants to achieve a healthy, white smile. If you have noticed that your teeth aren't as white as they used to be or you want to find out what may be changing their color, you may want to book a dental visit with Dr. Bryan Hill to check your overall oral health. To schedule your next dental visit, call our office today!
Smile More Spokane Family Dentistry, 9671 North Nevada St. ste. 200, Spokane, WA 99218-1146 ^ (509) 505-6303 ^ spokanefamilydentistry.com ^ 10/5/2024 ^ Page Keywords: dentist Spokane WA ^