Are Your Teeth Getting Darker as You Age? Teeth Whitening Can Help

Do you wish your teeth were whiter when you look in the mirror? If so, you’re in good company. A survey in The Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health found that 80% of Americans aged 18 to 49 feel the same way.

Brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding certain drinks can help prevent stains, but lifestyle changes aren’t always enough. At Family Dental Group, our caring team provides in-office professional teeth whitening. Below, we explain how the procedure works and what results you can expect.

Why do teeth change color?

Our teeth change color for various reasons, but the most common is the natural aging process. Over the years, activities like biting and chewing cause the outside layer of our teeth (enamel) to wear down and flake away. This reveals more of the dentin underneath, which is off-white or yellow.

Other things that cause tooth stains include:

• Trauma
• Regularly consuming coffee, red wine, and soda
• Taking certain medications, like tetracycline
• Tobacco use

Poor oral hygiene also plays a role. Failing to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly allows stains to build up.

How professional teeth whitening brightens your smile

The good news is tooth discoloration isn’t permanent. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry techniques, eliminating stains isn’t just possible — it’s easy. Here’s how professional teeth whitening works:

First, your provider prepares your mouth for treatment by covering your tongue and gums with a protective dam. Professional teeth whitening uses hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gel which can irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth.

After placing the dam, your provider applies a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. The gel then penetrates your tooth enamel.

Your dentist lets the gel sit for 15-20 minutes and then uses a special light or a laser to activate the whitening process. This activation oxidizes the discolored molecules inside your teeth, causing them to reflect light differently. 

Once the whitening process is complete, your dentist lets you look in a mirror. If you aren’t entirely pleased with the results, they repeat the same process several times, until your smile is the desired shade of white.

You can immediately return to work and other activities following professional teeth whitening. Some people experience mild tooth sensitivity for a day or two, but any discomfort should subside quickly.

Are the results of professional teeth whitening permanent?

Professional teeth whitening results aren’t permanent, but they usually last between one and three years.*

To maintain a beautiful, white smile, brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit Family Dental Group for preventive teeth cleanings. If you enjoy drinking coffee or other staining beverages, use a straw to prevent them from making as much contact with your teeth.

Likewise, we recommend undergoing touch-up treatments every year to 18 months. These maintenance procedures can keep your teeth from darkening and provide a Hollywood-worthy smile. 

To learn more about the benefits of professional teeth whitening, contact Family Dental Group today. Call the nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.