Many of the teeth-whitening advertisem*nts we see in magazines and on TV highlight glamorous young people laughing and smiling. It is no wonder we are left confused about who can and who can not whiten their teeth. The fact is, whitening aging yellow teeth can be beneficial for many people when done responsibly and correctly.
While we can face a slew of senior dental concerns that come naturally with the process of aging, some senior citizens find themselves most concerned with whitening aging yellow teeth. Dentistry for seniors uses American Dental Association, or ADA, recommendations to advise seniors on best practices for teeth whitening when it is the desired goal.
Why Do Our Teeth Yellow As We Age?
If you are interested in tooth whitening or have questions about the aging of your teeth, you may be curious as to why teeth yellow over time and as you age. Our teeth are made up of two layers. The first layer is called dentin. Dentin is the inner layer of the nerve and blood supply.
The second layer is called enamel. Enamel is the outer layer and is made up of pure minerals. Tooth enamel is actually the hardest substance in our bodies. It is made of pure calcium and phosphorus crystals. The phosphorus crystals of our enamel reflect and refract light. This is what causes teeth to have some amount of translucence.
Over time, teeth will yellow as proteins lodge themselves in your enamel and change the way the light moves through the crystals. This is a natural process and even those who are dedicated to thorough brushing will experience yellowing teeth over time and with age.
Whitening Aging Yellow Teeth: What to Consider
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. There are, however, a few extra considerations to make as a senior if you are considering whitening treatments.
Whitening Toothpaste
As we discussed, proteins that lodge themselves into your enamel and change the way the crystals of your enamel reflect light are responsible for yellowing teeth. Whitening yellowing teeth can be achieved through the use of bleaching trays or whitening toothpaste. Most whitening toothpaste brands have low-concentration bleach in them. This approach can work but takes an extended period of time to show a change in the color of your teeth.
Bleaching Trays
Bleaching trays can be purchased from a dentist or over the counter. Unlike bleaching toothpaste, these bleaching trays contain a highly concentrated type of hydrogen peroxide. It is recommended that you get your bleaching trays from the dentist because the trays dental professionals provide can be made in a lab and customized to fit your mouth precisely. This is a faster option for whitening yellowing teeth.
Whitening aging yellow teeth is one of many dental services seniors are asking about. However, seniors need to consider their overall oral health when making decisions about whitening. This is another reason it is best to see your dentist rather than using over the counter whitening products. Seniors with sensitive gum tissue and dry mouth may want to take caution as whitening can irritate those symptoms. Tooth decay is a common problem in seniors and needs to be addressed by a dentist before whitening can be performed safely.
Tooth Sensitivity
Anyone who is interested in whitening should know that teeth can become very sensitive while bleaching. It is important to avoid liquids such as coffee and red wine during the whitening process. With an effective process designed by your dentist, you can see results within one week. The prevalent myth that teeth whitening weekend your tooth enamel is simply not true. Teeth bleaching needs to be done responsibly and is best done when overseen by your dentist.
According to the ADA, it is best to have your teeth whitened professionally rather than using store-bought products on your own at home. More than likely, your dentist is highly trained in cosmetic tooth whitening. It is a common practice for many adults and your dentist can help you decide on the right way to proceed.
Professional Dentistry for Seniors
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. An experienced professional who practices dentistry for seniors will be able to assess any underlying health problems before you begin treatment. If you have problems that prevent you from whitening right away, your dental pro will advise you on those issues.
You can have a consultation with your dentist and determine the best way to proceed as well as get an estimate for the cost of the whitening. Following your dentist’s recommendations regarding using your whitening trays or touch-up kit will help you brighten your teeth and avoid damaging your enamel. When in doubt, turn to the senior dental care professionals at Cano Health. Contact us today.
FAQs
But many people wonder whether it's still possible to get their teeth whitened after they've built up decades of stains. Fortunately, there is no age limit for teeth whitening.
Can aging yellow teeth be whitened? ›
You can get your teeth whitened at any age. It is very common for older adults to seek treatment for yellowing teeth. Your dentist will help you decide which option is the best for you.
Can you be too old for teeth 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. But it's common for older people to have dental work, including crowns and bridges, that makes whitening a challenge.
How to fix aging yellow teeth? ›
Simply the enamel needs to be resurfaced. If yellow teeth are making you look older and taking away that sparkle in your smile, you'll want to consider resurfacing your teeth with porcelain veneers.
Can you get teeth whitening with yellow teeth? ›
2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? 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.
How to whiten 65 year old teeth? ›
It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.
How do you clean old yellow teeth? ›
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.
Lots of people can have teeth whitening treatment, but some people may not be suitable if they have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. You'll need to have consultation with your dentist before having treatment, to assess the suitability of your teeth.
Who is a bad 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.
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.
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 best whitening toothpaste for the elderly? ›
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Pronamel by Sensodyne provides a formula that helps to remove stains and achieve whiter teeth without causing additional tooth sensitivity—an adverse effect often linked with many whitening toothpaste options.
How I turned my teeth from yellow to white? ›
1 part of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 parts water makes an easy and affordable tooth-whitening mouthwash. Alternatively, create a paste using 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and brush with this to remove yellow stains on teeth.
Can 75 year old teeth be whitened? ›
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.
Why do older people's teeth turn yellow? ›
As we get older, the porous outer layer of enamel on our teeth begins to thin. This allows the naturally yellow material beneath it, called dentin, to show through more prominently. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, giving your teeth a yellow tint.
What colors make yellow teeth look whiter? ›
Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food. What about white braces – Although this may be a color you were thinking of, you may want to stray away.
Is it too late to whiten yellow teeth? ›
No matter how old you are, or how stained your teeth are, there's always something that can be done to whiten your teeth. We offer three teeth whitening treatments, the most popular of which is the Enlighten combination of in-clinic and at-home treatment which can whiten up to 16 shades lighter in up to three weeks.
Can older people have their teeth whitened? ›
It's never too late to improve your smile. 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.
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.
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. There are, however, a few extra considerations to make as a senior if you are considering whitening treatments.