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.
Can teeth be too yellow to whiten? ›
Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home.
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.
How to whiten 65 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.
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.
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 Cannot get 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.
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.
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
What is the best thing for yellow teeth? ›
Whitening toothpaste may help reduce yellowing of the teeth and improve whiteness. These products contain stronger ingredients than standard toothpaste, helping to remove tough food stains. Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach but may contain a small amount of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Can you whiten teeth with no enamel? ›
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.
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.
Is there an age restriction on teeth whitening strips? ›
The General Dental Council (GDC) instructs: Products containing 0.1% to 6% hydrogen peroxide can't be used on children or teens unless the dentist thinks it's needed to prevent or treat disease.
How do you keep your teeth white as you age? ›
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.
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.
How do you stop your teeth from turning yellow as you age? ›
Brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet with limited sugary and acidic foods and beverages will serve you well. You'll not only stave off oral issues like cavities and gum disease, but will keep your enamel healthier for years to come.
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.
Can genetically yellow teeth become white? ›
Professional teeth bleaching is often considered the first line of treatment for individuals with genetically inherited tooth discoloration. While store-bought whiteners don't usually provide satisfactory results, bleaching performed by a dentist can have good results that last a long time.
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.