Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness with Age?

 ​​You may have noticed your teeth have begun to look more yellow than white. Brushing won’t always fix this dental discoloration. Teeth naturally wear down as we age, revealing the yellow tissue, called dentin, below. If you’re ready to brighten your smile, Andrea C. Beavers, PA-C and our knowledgeable team at Star Treatment Healthcare Services and Med Spa provide at-home whitening kits to restore your pearly whites.

How do teeth whitening kits work? 

After Mrs. Beavers evaluates your discoloration, she decides whether an at-home tooth whitening kit would improve your yellowing teeth. During this simple cosmetic procedure, you simply: 

1. Fill a tray with dental bleach solution
2. Position the tray over your teeth
3. Enable stains to break into smaller parts
4. Allow the whiter enamel to show through

Mrs. Beavers lets you know how long and often to use your kit. You’ll likely begin to see improvements in only a few days. 

Other causes of discoloration

Teeth lose their brightness for many reasons besides aging. These include: 

Dry mouth

This uncomfortable condition also increases oral decay. We recommend drinking more water. Products containing xylitol, such as chewing gum, may further increase saliva flow. This ingredient also reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Other health conditions, from autoimmune disease to sleep apnea, also cause dryness.

Tobacco products

Certain habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, reduce blood flow to your mouth. Mrs. Beavers can advise you on reversing certain habits, such as smoking, through her preventive health screenings.

Tea, wine, soda, and other acidic drinks

Many acidic and darkly pigmented food and drinks, from soy sauce and balsamic vinegar to fruit juices and berries, stain your teeth. There is hope. Tea and coffee, for instance, contain tannins that cause compounds to stick to your teeth. Mrs. Beavers recommends adding a bit of milk, which contains a protein called casein, to counteract staining. The casein creates a protective coating on your enamel. You can also drink through a straw to reduce certain beverages’ contact with your teeth.

Even certain medications cause your teeth to lose their whiteness. We discuss additional ways to enhance your whitening treatments.

Turn back the clock on aging teeth

Mrs. Beavers suggests additional ways to whiten your teeth:

• Consume more calcium-rich foods, including dairy, almond milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Reduce consumption of pigmented foods, such as berries, coffee, and wine
• Brush properly with fluoride toothpaste and whitening mouthwash
• Swirl water around your mouth after eating to reduce staining
• Strengthen your enamel with calcium to reduce thinning and showing too much darker, yellowish dentin below

All in the family

Genetics also play a role in determining tooth color and enamel thickness. Teeth generally come in four shades:

1. Reddish-brown
2. Reddish-yellow
3. Gray
4. Reddish-gray

Certain inherited conditions, such as Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, cause blue-gray or yellow-brown discoloration. Fragile enamel may also be caused by Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

Fortunately, Mrs. Beavers offers a whitening solution to override many of these issues.

Take a bite out of expensive dental visits

In-office dental visits to whiten your teeth can be time-consuming and costly. Mrs. Beavers provides everything you need to brighten those stained or yellowing teeth in the comfort of your home, saving you both time and money while guiding you through the process. To discuss smile enhancing tooth whitening or other types of treatments, contact Andrea C. Beavers, PA-C and our knowledgeable team at Star Treatment Healthcare Services and Med Spa in Dallas, Texas, to book an appointment today.