People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues.
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
People with healthy teeth and gums are typically good candidates for teeth whitening. Gum disease, multiple restorations, and extensive decay disqualify individuals from this cosmetic procedure.
Poor Candidates
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Who Shouldn't Have Their Teeth Whitened? Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get their teeth whitened because they are more likely to experience inflamed gums and sensitivity after teeth whitening due to hormonal changes as part of pregnancy.
People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues. It's crucial to address these dental health problems first before considering any cosmetic treatments.
In the case of an allergy to peroxide, do not use whitening products, as peroxide is often the whitening agent. Dental restorations—which include (but are not limited to) crowns, veneers, and bridges—do not respond to whitening products. If you whiten with restorations, the results will be uneven.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
“Even with over-the-counter products, it is still recommended to see your dentist prior to starting a whitening procedure.” Dr. Scheier says. Those who are susceptible to sensitivity, either from gum recession or worn-down enamel, may inadvertently increase that sensitivity by using a teeth-whitening kit.
Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food.
Sometimes, thin or damaged tooth enamel means you're not a good candidate for professional teeth whitening.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
Most teeth whitening products contain a harmless solution of hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient will break down into water and oxygen during the bleaching process. Furthermore, the possible side effects can include tooth sensitivity and irritation.
The results of professional in-office whitening are significantly better than the degree of whitening you can achieve at home with over-the-counter products. The whitening agent I use is more concentrated than commercial whitening agents. As a result, it lightens your teeth by about eight shades in one hour.
Damaged Enamel
If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.
The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth
Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.
Teeth whitening for all ages. Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.