Russo Dental Care

The Dark Side of Whitening

Ever wonder what two billion dollars could buy? In today's popular cosmetic dentistry industry, that is the estimated amount of money spent each year for tooth whitening products and treatments.

If you have had an in-office whitening treatment, your homecare will determine how long your investment will last. Your whitening treatment could last a year, but without proper maintenance, your beautiful teeth could return to their dull, dark state in as little as one month.

Diet and habits are big factors in how long your teeth will retain their sparkle. Consuming high antioxidant beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, red wine and blueberries will hasten your teeth's return to their dark side. Tobacco and dark sodas products also contribute to darkening teeth.

Our recommendations to prolong the lifetime of your whitening treatments are—

• Reduce your consumption of beverages and foods that darken teeth.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Immediately rinse with water if you can't brush after consuming a stain-producing food or beverage.
• Drink with a straw so the liquid doesn't touch your teeth.
• Eat foods that promote white teeth such as raw vegetables.
• Chew gum made with xylitol, a natural sugar that increases your saliva flow and helps fight decay.

Unfortunately, aging, some medications and dental conditions will darken teeth. That means regular professional stain removal and oral examinations are extremely important to your dental and overall health.

Look on the bright side; keep your teeth dazzling by taking good care of your investment