Your teeth endure daily wear and tear not only when you’re chewing food but also when you’re simply talking to other people. Moreover, they are the first to experience the negative impacts of smoking, consuming alcohol, and eating a lot of sugar. All of these factors cause the protective layer of your teeth to gradually erode. Your teeth may turn darker as a result and the dentin may begin to become more evident due to the thinning enamel. Maintaining good dental hygiene and visiting your dental specialist at least biannually, should be your main priority if you strive to stop your enamel from aging.
Read on to discover various tips to keep your teeth from deteriorating.
1. Modify your lifestyle
The attractiveness and youth of your smile can be improved on your own, even though specialized dental care is crucial for your teeth. Stop smoking and drinking. Numerous acids included in alcohol can destroy your enamel and darken your teeth. Try to cut back on sugar as much as you can. Use mouthwash and dental floss, and brush your teeth daily after eating.
2. Have professional cleanings
Plaque builds up on your teeth during the day. As your teeth's enamel is compromised, they become discolored. Bacteria that produce acid which erodes teeth and creates cavities thrive in plaque. Even the best dental hygiene efforts cannot totally eradicate harmful bacteria. For thorough cleaning, you should see a dental specialist at least twice a year.
3. Undergo a teeth whitening treatment
Brushing does help keep your smile attractive, but it can't stop the teeth's natural aging process from darkening them. If you desire a bright white smile, think about having your teeth whitened. Remember that the teeth-whitening treatment can only be carried out following a dental cleaning.
The aforementioned teeth-whitening treatments make use of hydrogen peroxide-based substances. One of the procedures involves activating the chemical with a UV or LED lamp, getting the enamel and gel heated. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen during this treatment, breaking the pigment while penetrating the tooth structure.
Other treatments use a laser to provide the bleaching effect. This kind of teeth whitening is the most precise and efficient. Your teeth can be 10–12 shades whiter. The results can be maintained for more than a few years. To preserve your newly-whitened teeth, just consider undergoing dental cleaning biannually. The enamel is also sealed by the laser, which shortens the distance between its micro-prisms.
4. Consider veneers
The aging-related enamel degradation, cracking, and structural flaws in teeth cannot be fixed by whitening. Your teeth's appearance can be enhanced with Lumineers or porcelain veneers, tiny ceramic pads that are bonded to the tooth's front surface. The thickness and placement techniques are different. The tooth must be shaved down to fit under the veneer because it is thicker (up to 0.5 mm). Lumineers are less invasive (no more than 0.3 mm).
The shade of the teeth can be changed with veneers and Lumineers. However, their primary objectives are to optimize tooth shape and height. The lining will conceal tiny flaws and dental fillings.
The bottom line
Age is hardly a justification for having discolored and damaged teeth. Visit a dentist to restore the youth and health of your smile using advanced treatment options like veneers, teeth whitening, and professional dental cleaning. Also, avoid neglecting proper dental hygiene and consider abstaining from bad habits such as smoking and consuming too much alcohol and sugar to make sure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.