Are Teeth Whitening Procedures Safe for Seniors?
Teeth whitening is an excellent way for seniors to turn the clock back on their smiles. As we age, our smiles tend to dulland teeth whitening is a great way toachieve a bright and youthful smile. However, how safe is teeth whitening for seniors? At Knight Dental Care, we take in patients of all ages who come for teeth whitening treatment.The dental industry constantly evolves and produces teeth whitening products such as lasers, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. Producers of these products all have safety in mind while making them, and seniors need to understand them before deciding on teeth whitening.
Do Teeth Yellow with Age?
Aging comes with several changes, one of them being the discoloration of teeth with time. Various factors such as plaque and tartar accumulation, changes in the enamel, and aging dentin can cause teeth discoloration. However, it’s not a health concern despite yellowing teeth being inevitable.
So do our teeth yellow with age? The answer is yes. However, there are preventive measures one can follow to maintain an attractive bright smile. If you have concerns about the health of your teeth, contact our dentist in Little Rock for advice on how to keep your pearly white teeth. There is nothing to worry about if you start noticing signs of wear and tear as you get older. It is usual for our teeth to become stained, yellow, or misshapen with time.
What Is Considered When Whitening Aging Yellow Teeth
Teeth whitening in Little Rock can be done at any age of adulthood. Whitening products work by removing built-up stains on the enamel. It is an affordable and easy way to solve the problem of aging yellow teeth. However, there are a few considerations that you have to make as a senior before opting for teeth whitening treatments.
Tooth Sensitivity
When considering teeth whitening, it is essential to know that your teeth can be very sensitive while bleaching. During the process, you should avoid liquids such as red wine, tea, and coffee. The results can be achieved within a week if an effective strategy is used. It is a myth that our teeth’ enamel weakens after teeth whitening.
Whitening Toothpaste
Proteins are able to lodge themselves in our teeth enamel and affectthe way the enamel crystals reflect the light responsible for yellowing our teeth. You can achieve a brighter smile by using whitening toothpaste. However, most teeth-whitening toothpastes have a low concentration of the bleaching agent in them. While they are effective, they take an extended period for the results to kick in.
Bleaching Trays
One can get bleaching trays from the pharmacy store or the dentist. But unlike whitening toothpaste, the trays have a high concentration of the bleaching agent(hydrogen peroxide). Therefore, it is recommended that you should get a customized bleaching dental tray from your dentist.
In-office Whitening
While it’s okay to consider store-bought teeth whitening products, in-office or professional teeth whitening is more effective. This is because tooth whitening can increase tooth sensitivity, and the dentist can take precautions to minimize the sensitivity and ensure you have a safe and effective treatment. Additionally, if you have sensitive gum or dry mouth, in-office therapies are advised to prevent you from further irritating the symptoms.
When Should a Senior Not Have Teeth Whitening
Several factors are considered before a senior undergoes the treatment. First, any underlying medical issues must be treated or controlled before the procedure. For example, tooth decay and gum diseases must be dealt with first.
Suppose you are unsure of any health concerns at the Little Rock dental clinic. In that case, our dental team will help you determine any underlying issues that may impact the aftermath of your teeth whitening procedure.
Keep your gums and teeth healthy by having regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent and treat any dental issues.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening procedures are popular with everyone despite age. Everyone is always trying to improve their appearance. There is no set age when one is too old to undergo a tooth whitening treatment. As long you are healthy, your dentist will agree that teeth whitening options are safe for you.