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? ›
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 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.
How to whiten 80 year old 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.
Does teeth whitening work in the elderly? ›
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.
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.
When can teeth not be whitened? ›
Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.
This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.
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.
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 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.
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.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.
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.
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 to keep your teeth white as you get older? ›
Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.
