Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

: Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Everyone loves a bright, white smile, but your teeth may lose their luster over time. But what causes your teeth to lose color? Is it an unavoidable part of aging, or can you prevent it? 

Several factors cause your teeth to become discolored, including your daily habits, diet, age, and even genetics. 

Every day at  Livwell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California, Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng meet people looking to restore the sparkle of their smile. 

Our stellar teeth whitening services have helped many people regain their brilliant, white smiles and boost their confidence. 

In this article, we explore why your teeth lose their whiteness and how you can restore that bright, healthy smile.

Your tooth's anatomy

Your teeth have multiple layers. The outermost layer, the enamel, is translucent and white, protecting the more sensitive inner layers. 

Under the enamel is the dentin, a yellowish substance that supports the enamel. Over time, your enamel may become thin or worn down. This wearing away exposes the underlying dentin, causing your teeth to look yellower. 

Factors that contribute to enamel erosion include your dietary choices, especially eating acidic foods and beverages. Poor brushing habits and certain medical conditions could also cause your enamel to erode. 

External factors

Besides changes to your tooth structure, external factors can cause your teeth to lose their whiteness. Consuming particular food and drinks, such as tea, coffee, and wine, can stain your teeth's surface over time. 

Smoking or chewing tobacco also contributes to discoloration. In some cases, certain medications can alter your teeth color.

Your daily brushing routine might not be enough to remove these stubborn stains. To remove these stains and handle discoloration, you might require professional dental intervention. 

Age-related changes

As you age, your teeth naturally change. The enamel tends to thin, exposing more of the underlying dentin. Also, a lifetime of eating and drinking foods and drinks that cause staining can lead to more noticeable discoloration.

Age-related yellowing of teeth is natural and expected. However, not everyone is comfortable with this, causing them to seek teeth-whitening solutions.

Solutions to teeth discoloration

Fortunately, there are many solutions to combat teeth discoloration, whether it's because of the natural aging process or your lifestyle choices. At LivWell Dentistry, we offer a reliable and efficient way to restore your teeth's brightness. 

These services often include treatments tailored to your individual's needs, addressing surface stains and deeper discoloration.

Following proper dental hygiene and coming in for regular dental checkups play a vital role in maintaining your teeth's appearance. Brush and floss carefully, and come in for professional cleaning to preserve your teeth's natural whiteness. 

Adjusting your diet can also make a difference. Cut down on staining foods and drinks, and opt for alternatives less likely to discolor your teeth. 

Understanding why your teeth lose whiteness is essential to maintaining or restoring their appearance. Our teeth whitening services help you achieve a smile that leaves you feeling confident. Schedule an appointment with us online today, or call 415-477-3700 to get your pearly whites sparkling again. 

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