After spending so much time and money on straightening your teeth, the last thing you want to have is stains after the braces finally come off. There are several things you can do to reduce the chance of staining your teeth though.
Here is how you prevent teeth stains from braces:
Brush after Every Meal
Food particles left on your teeth lead to a buildup of bacteria that causes plaque to form, and that is what causes most of the staining. When braces make it difficult to get rid of all the plaque, demineralization occurs, and that is what causes white spots to occur.
You should always brush your teeth after every meal, but it’s especially important when you have braces. If your mouth is clean, you won’t have to worry about cavities and other dental problems as much. Using an electric toothbrush every day also makes it easier to get all those hard to reach spots.
Don’t Use a Whitening Toothpaste
It might surprise you to know that whitening toothpastes can actually be bad for your teeth because they cause more discoloration. This can happen because the areas around your brackets are whitened but the areas covered by the brackets are not, which causes contrast. This is why you should stick to regular toothpaste when you have braces.
Floss and Use Mouthwash Regularly
To help you get around the brackets, wires, and all the other hard to reach places, be sure to floss and use mouthwash regularly. There are types of floss that are made to be used with braces so you don’t have to worry about the floss getting stuck in your braces. The mouthwash will get rid of any extra germs that are still lingering around in your mouth.
Stay Away from Certain Foods
Listen to your orthodontist when you’re told to stay away from certain foods and drinks. Some of them can cause damage to your braces and others can cause your teeth to stain. Foods and drinks that are usually on the list to avoid include coffee, soda, mustard, tomato-based foods and drinks, and basically anything with food coloring. All of these can stain both your brackets and your teeth.
Don’t Miss Any of Your Orthodontic or Dental Appointments
It can be hard to juggle all your daily responsibilities and get to all your orthodontic and dental appointments but it is crucial to do so. The rubber bands around the brackets of your braces need to be changed regularly to help prevent staining. Your 6-month checkup at the dentist can help cut back on the staining and chance of tooth decay.
Get a Sealant Put on Before Braces
Another important preventive measure to consider is getting a sealant put on your teeth before the braces are put on. This barrier will help keep stains from forming. Talk to your orthodontist about whether or not this is right for you before starting treatment.
Can Anything Be Done After the Fact?
If you end up with some staining despite taking these preventive measures, don’t panic. Most of the time your saliva will be enough to dull the stains so they’re not as noticeable over time. You can also whiten your teeth after your braces come off. Most experts recommend that you wait six months before you whiten your teeth though. Talk to your dentist about the benefits and drawbacks of over-the-counter whitening products and in-office whitening treatments.
Who you choose as your orthodontist can influence how your treatment goes and whether you have any teeth staining or decay to worry about after you get your braces off. Dr. Erin Kopicki will make make sure to take care of you, and she’ll work closely with you so you get a smile you’re proud of.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Germantown Orthodontics, visit our website.
Source: OrthodonticsLimited.com
