Time stops for no one, and no smile! If you are noticing aesthetic or functional changes to your smile as the years go on, you are certainly not alone. The good news is that there are things our Saint Louis dentists can do to refresh your teeth and restore your smile. Keep reading to learn more…
Color
It can be disheartening to see a previously white and bright smile look dull and discolored. However, this is an exceedingly common occurrence for adult dental patients. One reason this happens is because food, drinks, and tobacco products can leave color deposits on our teeth over time. Plus, white dental enamel starts to wear away as we get older. The tooth layer under the enamel, called the dentin, is yellower in color. If your teeth are starting to look dull or yellow it may be because more of the dentin is showing through to the surface of your smile.
Sensitivity
Dental layers as well as oral tissues can thin and break down over time. Unfortunately, this can leave sensitive dental nerves, which are found in the core of the tooth, too exposed. You’ll start to notice sensitivity and discomfort once your enamel has thinned, or once your gum tissue has pulled away from your tooth root.
Vulnerability
It is also important to remember that as dental enamel thins, it becomes less effective at resisting oral bacteria. The thinner your enamel becomes, the easier it is for oral bacteria to infiltrate the tooth structure and form cavities. You may also notice that your teeth are more easily chipped or cracked as the enamel degrades.
Our Saint Louis dentists are here to give you any additional information or support you need to enjoy a happy and healthy smile. You can reach our team by calling our office, or by using the Contact Us page on our website to submit a question.