Teeth Whitening for Older Adults
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Your teeth, just like your skin, are exposed to the effects of ageing.
Over the years, your teeth may begin to change in colour, looking more grey or yellowish. This is caused by the pigments from the different foods and drinks that you consume daily, which are absorbed by your teeth.
So don’t worry if you no longer have that “pearly white” smile you used to have, yellowish teeth are completely healthy and natural!
And it is also completely okay to consider teeth whitening as well.
However, since most of the teeth-whitening advertisements we see online, on the TV and in magazines feature younger people smiling with their pearly whites, many older adults are concerned whether the option is still viable for them.
The answer is: Yes! In fact, teeth whitening is proven to be safe and highly effective in about 90 per cent of patients of all ages.
However, it’s also important to note that you should first consult with your dentist to ensure that you don’t have any problems or sensitivities that would make the whitening process uncomfortable or dangerous for you.
There are many options out there for teeth whitening that not only enhance your dental health but also help you stay looking fresh and vital. Here are a few that can also be done in the comfort of your own home.
Whitening yellowish teeth can be beneficial for many people when done responsibly and correctly. Credit: news.com.au.
Brightening your yellowish teeth can be achieved through the regular use of whitening toothpaste.
Most whitening toothpaste brands have low-concentration bleach and hydrogen peroxide in them. And although they are safe to be used on a daily basis, the results may take longer as compared to having them done in a dental office.
Here are some options from Coles and Woolworths.
Bleaching Tray
Another home whitening product is the bleaching tray, which can either be purchased from your dentist or over the counter.
Unlike whitening toothpaste, bleaching trays contain high amounts of hydrogen peroxide. It is also a much faster option for whitening yellowing teeth.
We advise our members that if ever you’re considering this option, you must get your bleaching tray from your dentist, so that they can tailor it for you and your specific needs. Not only will this be a lot safer than buying it somewhere else, but you can also make sure that it’s highly effective for you.
We must also advise our members to be wary against those who are selling DIY teeth whitening products!
According to Australian Dental Association spokesman and Sydney dentist Dr Mark Levi, the increasing popularity of online and off-the-shelf whitening products, especially bleaching trays, among Aussies is greatly concerning.
“Often what happens online is that they’re going to get a tray in their mouth that is very generic, that just won’t fit,” he said, adding that whitening trays are not a “one size fits all” product.
“So if you’re putting in a bucket load of acid and goo and junk in there to go on the teeth, it’s going everywhere – it’s going on the gums, it’s going into your stomach.”
“There’s a joke that goes the last place it goes is on your teeth.”
Your dentist can help you decide on the best method to use for your teeth. Credit: news.com.au.
He also added that home treatments without the supervision of a dental professional could expose people to extreme pain if the bleach got into a tooth crack or hole. Other injuries could include blotchiness and damaged enamel.
Meaning, people could pay more for dental treatment than the amount that they supposedly “saved” from cheaper teeth whitening home kits.
Many of Dr Levi’s patients have already come to him, complaining about recurring pain after using these home treatments.
He wants people to know that the safest and most effective teeth whitening option out there is consulting with your dentist first.
You heard it here, folks! It’s not too late to get back those bright pearly whites, all you have to do is talk to your dentist about it!
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