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
Fortunately, there is no age limit for teeth whitening. Seniors and young adults alike can get their teeth whitened and enjoy a brighter smile. Here's everything seniors should know about the procedure.
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.
Am I too old for teeth whitening? ›
Few tooth whitening products come with upper age limits. If you're older than 18, and your mouth is in good health, you can use almost any solution to help you find a brighter, whiter smile. But many older people have dental health issues that can stand in the way of tooth whitening, including: Trauma.
Why is there an age limit for teeth whitening? ›
Teeth whitening for kids at an early age increases their likelihood of having tooth sensitivity and makes them more prone to cavities and soreness.
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.
Bleaching Trays
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.
How can I whiten my 80 year olds teeth? ›
If you want to whiten aging yellow teeth, you should make an appointment and head to your dentist's office. This option is a bit more expensive than purchasing tubes of toothpaste and packages of whitening trays from the store, but it is safer and more effective overall.
Can yellow teeth really be whitened? ›
Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›
Whitening your teeth too often increases the risk of negative side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and damage to tooth enamel and gums. But there's no official guideline for how often whitening can be done safely. That's why it's important to get your dentist's recommendation and always follow product instructions.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
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 makes you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›
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. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
Who is a bad candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
Can 75 year old teeth be whitened? ›
Even if you are in your 70s or 80s, you can still have your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile, and it can be done at any age.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
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.
Does teeth whitening work for the elderly? ›
Fortunately, there is no age limit for teeth whitening. Seniors and young adults alike can get their teeth whitened and enjoy a brighter smile. Here's everything seniors should know about the procedure.
Can I make my brown teeth white again? ›
Using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.
Can natural yellow teeth be whitened? ›
Luckily there's still a way to whiten your teeth, even if it's your dentin that's causing the yellowness. Deep Bleaching is the most effective method to whiten any kind of tooth discoloration. The method seems to work well, even when your tooth discoloration goes beyond your tooth enamel.
