Braces come with many benefits for patients, but one disadvantage that a general dentist may point out is staining. Stains are not an unavoidable result of having braces on for long periods of time. However, braces can make it harder to thoroughly clean teeth on a regular basis, which can eventually lead to stains. Here are recommendations for avoiding this problem so that the teeth remain beautiful and clean when the braces are finally removed.

Why stains occur

Plaque is the main culprit in staining white, sparkling teeth. It is a sticky, yellowish, or clear substance that forms naturally from the consumption of foods and drinks. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove.

Plaque contains bacteria that slowly eat away at enamel and cause staining. Braces create more nooks and crevices where plaque can accumulate unnoticed and where a toothbrush cannot reach. When braces are removed, those areas become apparent and leave behind discolored decalcified areas on the surface of the tooth.

How to avoid stains

There are many easy steps patients can take to prevent plaque from building up beneath braces. Proper care techniques suggested by a general dentist can be implemented daily and hardly take up any extra time. To prevent staining while braces are in place — which can be for months or years — patients should practice these oral hygiene habits.

Brush more often

Brushing twice a day is something everyone should adhere to, but patients with braces should try to brush after every meal. Any food particles that get stuck and linger beneath the brackets have a greater chance of developing into plaque. Patients who may be away from home after a meal should consider storing a small, compactable toothbrush and travel toothpaste in a purse or car so that brushing is easy to do on the go.

Floss and use mouthwash daily

Round out daily hygiene routines by flossing and using mouthwash. This helps get at tiny crevices around the braces where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Mouthwash is effective at cleaning out bacteria and germs that can stain teeth. Patients can ask a general dentist for floss that is specifically designed to clean around braces.

Do not use whitening toothpaste

Everyone wants whiter teeth, but using whitening toothpaste while wearing braces can lead to strange discoloration since the toothpaste cannot reach all surfaces of a tooth. The area beneath the brackets will not change color, and teeth can be whiter in certain spots than others when the braces are taken off.

Avoid foods that stain

Some foods are more likely to stain teeth than others. Foods with high acidity or coloration can stain white tooth enamel faster. Tea, coffee, dark sodas, fruit juices, tomato-based foods, curries, and soy sauce are good to avoid.

Conclusion

Keep scheduled appointments with a general dentist to make sure oral hygiene practices are up to par. When braces are finally removed, a patient should be greeted with straight, white teeth, not another problem that needs to be fixed in a dental chair.

Request an appointment or call Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist at (817) 585-4159 for an appointment in our Fort Worth office.