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Dental Changes
Q: Why are my teeth not as white as they were when I was younger?
A: Like everything else in your body, your teeth and your mouth change as you get older. For one thing, the enamel on your teeth becomes more brittle as you get older and reflect light differently. Normal wear, compounded by any decay, cause the teeth to expose more of a substance called dentin, which is more yellow in color. As you get older, more of this secondary dentin shows through the less luminescent enamel, and you end up with a yellow look.
Also, as you age, the cells in your gums do not replenish themselves as rapidly as they once did, leaving gums more susceptible to bacterial and irritants. This may cause the gums to recede a bit. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, ask about options. From whitening to porcelain veneers, there are many possibilities to enhance your smile. |
