We all know that braces can transform your smile. However, braces stains can cause a big hiccup in this transformation! After all those months of treatment, you deserve a smile you can be proud of. Luckily though, there are some easy ways to avoid braces stains. Here are our top 5 ways to prevent staining during your braces treatment.
1- Brush Teeth After Eating and Drinking
During your braces treatment, it’s important to keep your teeth clean. Residue from food and beverages can build up around your brackets, leading to staining down the line. The best way to avoid this is to brush your teeth after you eat or drink anything other than water.
2- Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is especially important when you have braces. Floss will remove debris that clings to your brackets and wires. Floss often catches the particles that are left behind during brushing, so is also a crucial step if you want to avoid staining.
3- Limit Certain Ingredients
Sugary and acidic foods/drinks can weaken tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Many sugary/acidic ingredients can also discolor the teeth. Things like soda, candy, coffee, and citrus juices can all be culprits, so enjoy these things in moderation.
In addition, certain foods and drinks with strong coloring can lead to tooth staining. Things like beets, berries, tomatoes, and red wine can all lead to tooth discoloration, as well as things with vibrant artificial coloring. Your orthodontist can help you decide which of your favorite ingredients you might want to limit during your braces treatment.
4- Avoid Whitening Products
This might seem counter-productive. While whitening products can certainly help you deal with tooth staining, don’t use these products until after your brackets are removed. Because brackets are glued to the teeth, whitening products cannot clean under them. Therefore, whitening the teeth with braces can lead to discolored patches on the teeth.
5- Talk to your Orthodontist
If you’re concerned about braces stains, then your orthodontist is your best resource. He or she can check your teeth for discoloration and also give you personalized tips for avoiding discoloration. For quality orthodontic care in the Houston area, call Adventure Orthodontics at 281-353-5556.