How Do I Maintain White Teeth as I Get Older?
We all want to look young and vibrant even as we age. We try to smooth out our wrinkles and lines, and we dye our hair to hide the gray.
There’s another effective method you can employ in the fight against aging: keeping your teeth white. While it can take some effort, the result is definitely worth it.
The experienced providers at Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, treat patients every day who are looking for whiter, more attractive teeth. Here are their best tips on how you can maintain white teeth as you get older.
Why teeth get less white as you age
You probably know that teeth get less white and more yellow as people age, but you may not know exactly why that occurs.
The answer lies in the fact that the white enamel that covers your teeth begins to thin after years of wear-and-tear, erosion, and friction. As the enamel wears down, the yellowish dentin (the hard layer beneath the enamel) is exposed.
In addition, dentin actually increases as you grow older, making your teeth darker even before the enamel wears away.
Your teeth can also become stained with color due to tobacco use, liquids like coffee, wine, and soda, and poor oral hygiene. Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can also cause teeth to yellow.
How you can keep your teeth white as you get older
If you want to keep your teeth sparkling white as you get older, you have a few options.
A whitening toothpaste includes low-concentration bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or urea oxide. This is an easy method because it doesn’t add any steps to your daily routine, but it does take time to be effective.
You can also try over-the-counter bleaching trays that you wear during the day and at home. You should notice results within a week or two with this treatment.
If you want a more powerful solution, the professional whitening treatment at Silicon Valley Dental Associates is your best bet.
Your dentist customizes take-home bleaching trays using the Philips Zoom's Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit. These trays fit the contours of your mouth, ensuring more effective treatment. You wear the trays for 30 to 90 minutes once a day or 2-4 hours at night for results in as little as 2 weeks.
Other, more modest methods can also contribute to whiter teeth, including using an electric toothbrush, brushing with activated charcoal or baking soda, eating fruits and vegetables, and flossing regularly.
When you’re ready to get professional treatment to keep your teeth white, contact Silicon Valley Dental Associates. Call the office or use our easy online scheduler to book your appointment. In no time, we can help brighten your smile!