As you age, your teeth can naturally become discolored and stained. While most teeth whitening commercials feature younger people, most seniors are left to wonder if they, too, can achieve a brighter smile. You’ll be happy to know that teeth whitening can be just as effective for our older loved ones. Contact our dentist in NE Calgary to learn if you are eligible for teeth whitening today!
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow As You Age?
Are you curious as to why teeth suddenly turn yellow as you get older? First of all, your teeth are made of two layers: the enamel and the dentin. The dentin is the inner layer which contains the blood supply and nerves. The enamel is the outer layer, which is composed of phosphorus crystals and calcium. The phosphorous crystals refract light, making our teeth appear translucent. As you age, proteins can get trapped in the enamel and alter the way the light reflects. This happens naturally, regardless of how diligent you are in brushing your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening is a great option to eliminate stains and reduce discoloration for patients old and young. There are various commercial and professional options to achieve a more radiant smile. Some of the whitening methods that are safe for seniors include:
Bleaching Trays
There are several options available for purchase, either at a store or from your dentist. They are an easy and quick way to enhance your smile. Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.
Whitening Toothpaste
Swap your regular toothpaste for whitening toothpaste, and you can notice your teeth gradually lighten with prolonged use. Whitening toothpaste typically contains a low-concentrated bleach solution. This helps minimize the appearance of stains on your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening
While store-bought whitening products are convenient, they are not as effective as a professional whitening done by your dentist. Teeth whitening often increases tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can minimize the sensitivity and ensure you are receiving a safe yet effective treatment.
Looking to Receive Teeth Whitening Near You?
If you would like to receive teeth whitening in NE Calgary, please contact our practice! Our dentist will be happy to examine your teeth and oral health to develop a treatment plan. If there are underlying issues that can affect your whitening results, we will discuss them with you prior to any treatment.
FAQs
Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.
Does teeth whitening work for the elderly? ›
Dentistry for seniors suggests tooth whitening can be done at any age of adulthood. Tooth whitening products remove built-up stains and brighten the enamel. They are affordable and easy-to-use solutions to the problem of aging yellow teeth.
Am I too old to get my teeth whitened? ›
If you're younger than 18, you can't have some forms of tooth whitening. And if you still have your baby teeth, you might need to skip any type of whitening product altogether. No upper age limit applies to tooth whitening products.
Why is there an age limit for teeth whitening? ›
The primary teeth (baby teeth) have thinner enamel and dentin. They also have a larger pulp. Because teeth whitening can cause increased sensitivity and pain in some patients, it is risky to bleach young children's teeth. Moreover, because the primary teeth will ultimately be lost, the results would be short-lived.
How to keep your teeth white as you get older? ›
How to keep your teeth white as you get older. Optimal oral hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings, and a healthy diet and lifestyle are the most essential factors in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, especially as you age.
Can you whiten 70 year old teeth? ›
Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.
Who is not eligible for teeth whitening? ›
Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.
What is the best teeth whitening method for seniors? ›
1: Take-Home Professional Whitening Kits
The kits include custom-fitted trays that you wear with a bleaching gel for several weeks, either twice a day for thirty minutes or overnight. Take-home treatments are generally safer and more comfortable for seniors with sensitive teeth than in-office treatments.
When can teeth not be whitened? ›
Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.
Can you whiten your teeth if your enamel is gone? ›
Tooth decay and teeth whitening treatments simply do not mix. The bleaching agents used for the treatment weaken enamel. That can lead to discomfort and damage to teeth structures if the patient has existing issues like cavities.
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.
How many years does teeth whitening last? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.
What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
Do whitening strips work on older teeth? ›
Whitening strips target both extrinsic and intrinsic stains
Whitening strips can target both types of stains. Stains caused by aging, genetics, smoking, or coffee are generally the fastest to respond to bleaching . Yellowish aging stains also respond well.
What is the safest method of teeth whitening? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
Is there an age limit for buying teeth whitening? ›
In the mix
The use of such products is subject to certain conditions, including use only by, or under the direct supervision of, a dental practitioner. Importantly, such products cannot legally be used on patients below the age of 18 years.
How can I make my old yellow teeth white again? ›
Remedies for yellow teeth
- Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. ...
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Coconut oil pulling. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
- Activated charcoal. ...
- Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.
