A General Dentist Talks How To Avoid Stains With Braces

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Pearl City, HI

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 Diamond Head Dental Care at 808-214-9287 for an appointment in our Pearl City office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: When Should You Bring Your Child To See A Dentist?

When it comes to general dentistry practices, these offices typically include primary care dental providers. A general dentist focuses on diagnosing dental problems, treating dental issues, and overall oral health care. General dentists may provide gum care, teeth cleaning, root canals, veneers, bridges, and preventative dentistry. However, just as there are dentists that focus on…

Teeth Grinding Treatment From A General Dentist

Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing…

How Often Should I Schedule A Teeth Cleaning With My General Dentist?

Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to…

Diamond Head Dental Care

Share
Published by
Diamond Head Dental Care

Recent Posts

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental…

1 day ago

Can Invisalign Be Used When Crooked Teeth Shift Back After Braces?

If you have had braces in the past, you may want to try Invisalign® to…

5 days ago

How Can I Know Whether Invisalign Is Right for Me?

Many people want to undergo Invisalign® treatment, but some may not be good candidates for…

2 weeks ago

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

Traditional metal braces and Invisalign® are two of the most common options for teeth straightening.…

3 weeks ago

What Can Happen If You Don’t Get a Chipped Tooth Treated?

If you want to find out the consequences of not receiving treatment for your chipped…

4 weeks ago

How Invisalign Is Discreet for Everyday Use

Considering Invisalign®? Read on to learn more about this discreet teeth-straightening treatment. Traditional metal braces…

4 weeks ago