Anti-Aging: How To Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth | Colgate (2024)

Anti-Aging: How To Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth | Colgate (1)

Anti-Aging: How To Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth | Colgate (2)

Everyone wants to hold on to their youthful appearance for as long as possible. Many people attempt to turn back the years by trying to smooth fine lines or hide grey strands. But you may be missing one of the biggest indications of aging: your mouth. As we age, our teeth tend to darken and become misaligned after years of hard work and protection. Teeth whitening could be the perfect solution to boost your confidence and take back the years on your smile, so your outward appearance can match the still vigorous and youthful spirit inside.

How Do Teeth Age?

If you're wondering why our smiles change as we get older, there are a few reasons. The primary culprit is thinning enamel from years of acid erosion, friction, and wear and tear that exposes the yellowing dentin beneath. Another contributor is due to the fact that our dentin actually increases as we age which makes teeth less translucent and appear darker. But not to fear! The resulting dullness can be treated with a variety of safe, over-the-counter whitening products. It’s always a good idea to take into consideration theoverall health of your teeth and gums before changing your routine. Ask your dentist to help you find the solution that’s right for your oral health.

How to Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth

Restoring your white smile is a great way to hit refresh on your youth, and there are plenty of simple,non-invasive optionsto choose from. From professional, in-office treatments to a plethora of at-home products, whitening your teeth has never been easier.Let’s discuss the options…

Whitening toothpastes


One of the simplest ways to achieve a glistening smile is to use a whitening toothpaste, since it doesn’t add any extra steps to your daily routine. Look for a whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide because these ingredients go below the surface of the teeth to remove stains that build up over time. It works and it doesn’t break the bank.

Toothbrushing


To get the most out of your whitening toothpaste, make sure you have the righttoothbrushing tools and technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and gently brush using short, back-and-forth or circular strokes. Make sure to brush every tooth surface – inside, outside and biting surfaces – and give extra attention to teeth that are stained or discolored. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to wear down or flatten, as a worn toothbrush doesn’t clean your teeth as effectively.

Whitening strips


These flexible plastic strips are coated with a gel that contains a bleaching agent – usually hydrogen peroxide. You simply apply the whitening strips to your teeth and leave them for a short period while the gel works its magic.

Whitening pens


Whitening pens also contain bleaching gel, but in this case you brush the gel onto your teeth and leave it to dry. Because they’re so small and portable, pens are an excellent option for on-the-spot whitening when you need to quickly touch up your smile.

Whitening trays


Whitening trays consist of a tray similar to a mouthguard, along with a bleaching gel. You put the gel inside the tray and place it over your teeth, leaving it there for a specified time. Some kits also include an LED light to intensify the whitening effects. You can buy whitening trays over the counter or from your dentist, who will make custom-fitted trays for you to use at home.

In-office whitening


For best (and fastest) results, your dentist can perform whitening in the office. They are able to use much stronger bleaching gel than you’ll find in over-the-counter products, and they may also use technology like lasers to amplify the whitening effect. It’s more expensive than at-home whitening, but the results are much more dramatic.

Benefits of Having Whiter Teeth

Still thinking about switching up your routine for whiter teeth? If you’re on the fence, here are some additional benefits you may want to consider:

  • Your health is reflected in your teeth.According to theMayo Clinic, your oral health is a window to your overall health. In fact, it’s not just a window, it is actually the gateway to everything that enters your body. So healthy, white teeth on the outside could signal a healthy body on the inside.
    • Food for thought.Many people associate youth with health. So, when your teeth show signs of youth, like being shiny and white, others may see you as being a healthy person.
  • Boost your confidence.Nothing is more intimidating than walking into a new environment feeling nervous. Whether it’s a date, presentation, meeting or first impression, whiter teeth can give you the confidence you need to put your best smile forward.
  • Be ready for important events.Family pictures coming up? Getting ready to walk down the aisle? Starting a new job? Whitening your teeth can help prepare you for any event where you’ll be flashing your winning smile.
  • Whiter teeth are more inviting.According to a 2019studyfrom researchers at Tor Vergata University of Rome and Catholic University of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Tirane, whiter teeth are more likely to be perceived as attractive. Based on this perception, having whiter teeth can help communicate youth and confidence when it comes to personal interaction.

If you’re worried about possible allergies or sensitivities, talking to your dentist is a great way to get started. Older teeth require special care and since we only get one set, it’s important to consult with your dentist before changing your routine to make sure your oral health care is where it needs to be.

Whiter teeth can help preserve the look of your strong teeth and youthful smile. 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.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

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2.3 billion

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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine

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DO YOU KNOW?

2.3 billion

people worldwide suffer from tooth decay

TEETH WHITENING

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Anti-Aging: How To Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth | Colgate (2024)

FAQs

Anti-Aging: How To Whiten Aging Yellow Teeth | Colgate? ›

Look for a whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide because these ingredients go below the surface of the teeth to remove stains that build up over time. It works and it doesn't break the bank.

Can aging yellow teeth be whitened? ›

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.

How can I make my old yellow teeth white again? ›

Remedies for yellow teeth
  1. Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. ...
  2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
  3. Coconut oil pulling. ...
  4. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
  6. Activated charcoal. ...
  7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.

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 genetically yellow teeth? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›

In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.

Can you reverse teeth yellowing? ›

Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains.

Why are my teeth so yellow no matter what I do? ›

Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age. Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of stained teeth, especially in children.

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.

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.

Can badly yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

How do people get super white teeth? ›

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide emerged as popular natural teeth-whitening agents. Their gentle abrasive properties help remove surface stains while promoting a whiter appearance. Incorporating these agents into your oral hygiene routine can increase your smile's luminosity.

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 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.

At what age do teeth turn yellow? ›

If your child is about 6-7 years old and their permanent teeth have started to erupt, you may notice that their permanent teeth look quite a bit more yellow than their baby teeth. Good news: this is normal.

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