As we grow older, many of us are likely to notice that our teeth no longer look as bright as they did in our more youthful years. That gradual dulling or yellowing is natural, but it’s also something that can often be improved. Discolouration with age often comes from two overlapping forces; the stain-causing effects of foods and drinks that affect the tooth enamel, and changes that happen deeper inside the tooth, notably in the dentine (the layer under the enamel). Let’s explore why this happens, and what can be done about it.
Much of what we call ‘discolouration’ actually begins on the enamel , the outer, harder layer of the tooth. Over the years, certain foods and drinks deposit pigment and acids that gradually stain or erode the enamel. Tea, coffee, red wine, dark berries, sauces like curry or tomato; they all carry colour-bearing compounds that cling to the surface.
Smoking or vaping can contribute to tooth discolouration and poor oral hygiene or irregular dental cleanings allows plaque to build up, this then becomes a sticky ‘home’ for staining compounds.
Because these stains are extrinsic (i.e. on the surface or just beneath it), they respond best to regular professional cleaning, scaling, and, in some cases where necessary, whitening. The hygienist can polish away many of these surface discolourations, refreshing your enamel to a brighter state.
Even if you look after your enamel meticulously, your teeth will still change with time. Why does this happen? Because the layer underneath, the dentine, gradually becomes more visible and darker.
Dentine has a natural yellow-brown hue. It is less translucent than enamel, so as the enamel wears thinner with age, that stronger colour underneath shows through more. Also, the tooth’s internal structure changes over time. Secondary dentine (a layer laid down gradually as we age) thickens, and the internal pulp chamber may shrink. These changes reduce the brightness and translucency of the tooth, subtly darkening the overall appearance.
In addition, internal staining (sometimes called intrinsic discolouration) can occur within the dentine itself, from exposure to certain medications, trauma to a tooth, or past restorative work. Such stains are not removable by polishing, they are part of the tooth’s fabric.
What we often see in an older smile then is often a mixture of worn, thinner enamel layer, extra pigment on the surface from years of dietary and lifestyle exposure, and a darker dentine showing through. That’s why two people who’ve had very different diets might still show comparable discolouration over the years.
This combined effect means that even if we cut out staining foods, the underlying dentine tone will continue to influence tooth colour. But that doesn’t mean you are powerless, there are strategies and teeth whitening techniques to address both layers.
If your teeth are gradually darkening, or if one tooth is becoming noticeably different in shade, you should arrange a consultation with us. The dentist can assess whether the discolouration is mostly surface, intrinsic, or a combination. They’ll check enamel thickness, the health of the gums, and even whether there has been internal damage (for example from decay or trauma) contributing to the darkening.
Our dentists can explain which options are realistic for your situation: whether whitening can achieve what you want, or whether a veneer or crown might give you a more lasting result.
Ageing doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to dull, stained teeth. Understanding how discolouration develops,with both surface staining and deeper dentine changes, gives you an element of control. With a combination of smart habits, regular check-ups, and the right cosmetic or restorative treatments, many patients find they reclaim a brighter, more confident smile.
If you’ve started noticing your teeth looking less bright than they used to be and would like to see how we can help you improve this, please contact the Smile Dental Practice Bromley to arrange a consultation by calling us on 020 8462 2473.
Design By Dental Media
