It is normal for teeth to have a glossy appearance to them, with the tips of the teeth looking a bit translucent. This can be due to thin enamel in this part of the tooth, which is quite normal for people to have. However, you may have concerns when the majority of the surface of your teeth has that translucent appearance, which is creating a look that you do not like. Here is what you need to know about the causes of translucent teeth and what you can do about it.

Causes Of Translucent Teeth

A common reason for translucent teeth is due to brushing too hard. This is because hard brushing can actually damage your enamel, and it won't be noticeable until after years of this behavior. It can help to switch to a soft bristle toothbrush and to adjust your brushing behavior.

You may also suffer from acid erosion, which can happen from drinking coffee and soft drinks regularly. This is due to the acidity in the drinks that washes over the surface of your teeth, which thins out the enamel. You can take steps to wash the beverage off your teeth by rinsing with water afterward or drinking through a straw so it doesn't wash over the surface of your teeth. 

A high sugar diet can cause enamel to thin as well. This is because sugar feeds on bacteria, and an acid byproduct is secreted when that happens. Eating more sugar can actually cause your enamel to become etched away. 

Fixes For Translucent Teeth

There are a few cosmetic procedures that you can use to hide the translucent nature of your teeth. One way is to use dental veneers. This involves covering the front surface of your teeth with a resin or porcelain surface that gives your teeth the appearance that you want. Not only will it make your teeth appear less translucent, but you can make your teeth the color that you want them to be at the same time.

There is also the option to use dental crowns. It is a more invasive procedure but should be used when you also need a restorative option to treat dental decay. This is because the tooth needs to be reshaped in a way to fit the dental crown on top of it, which permanently alters the structure of the tooth. 

Reach out to a dentist like Thomas J Gilbert DDS PC / Royal Oak Dental for more information about dealing with translucent teeth.