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 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? ›
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 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 75 year old teeth be whitened? ›
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.
What is the best whitening toothpaste for the elderly? ›
Colgate Optic White
This toothpaste is commonly recommended as the best whitening toothpaste due to its unique formulation. It contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, an active ingredient known for its bleaching ability. This makes it highly effective at removing surface stains on teeth, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth.
Can you whiten your teeth if your enamel is gone? ›
Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.
Can years of yellow teeth be whitened? ›
Yellow teeth greatly affect aesthetics, causing loss of confidence when communicating. However, you do not need to worry too much about yellowing teeth, because yellow teeth can be completely whitened by modern dental methods and technologies.
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.
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.
Who Cannot get teeth whitening? ›
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.
How can a 65 year old whiten their teeth? ›
Bleaching Trays
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.
How to whiten 60 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 to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
Can you whiten teeth that are yellow with age? ›
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.
