Variations in Observed Tooth Discoloration in Aging Patients – Impact on Whitening Commercialization

Professionals and patients know that teeth generally change their shades as people age. This age-related phenomenon is important since it is a common feature of marketing positioning for consumers. In fact, the shade changes in teeth as a function of age have been extensively studied.^12-16 These color changes are even used in archeology and forensics for estimations of age of individuals.¹⁶

The yellowing and darkening of teeth with age is hypothesized to be associated with changes internal to the tooth, thought to be the deposition of secondary dentin as layers within the pulp chamber.