Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Got dark teeth? Why?

Friday, August 15, 2008

Have you are wondered why teeth darken?

One of the common reasons is that some of the foods we eat can stain our teeth. On a microscopic level teeth are actually porous and irregularities of them.
This is where teeth, similarly to clothing, can stain if a substance like red wine is constantly exposed to the tooth.
Another cause for discoloration of teeth is an old filling that allows bacteria to enter the tooth. Even through the smallest of cracks, like when a worm eats an apple, there is a small hole on the outside but on the inside, decay is occurring and staining the tooth.
Age is another factor in teeth getting darker. As we get older, the chamber where the nerve of tooth resides, gets narrower. This narrowing prevents light from going through the tooth and teeth appear darker.
Finally, for people who have that common dark line at the gums when they smile. Generally, they may have a porcelain-fused-to metal crown that will also prevent light from naturally illuminating a tooth.
If you are experiencing teeth that are darkening please give our office a call at 561-394-9000 to arrange for a appointment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.