Preventing stains on your braces might seem a little tricky. But avoiding stains and keeping your smile looking great is worth it. Dr. Danzer and our team in Owensboro and Hardinsburg will help you keep your braces polished and your smile shining. Whether you have metal or clear braces, our Danzer Orthodontics professionals have some handy tips to help you stay away from stains.
Renew Your Nutrition
What you eat can make a big difference in keeping your teeth and braces spick and span. Some foods and drinks can blemish your teeth and braces, so it’s best to steer clear. Dark drinks like soda, tea, and coffee can leave spots. Even sports drinks and energy drinks are full of sugars and acids.
Water is best for keeping braces stain-free. It helps wash away food bits and keeps your mouth fresh. Sticky foods like gum, caramel, and gummy candies can get hung up in your braces (blek!) and are hard to clean out, so it’s better to skip those.
Try eating crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots, but cut them into smaller pieces. Dairy products like sour cream, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt are also good choices. They are gentle on your braces and good for your teeth.
Your Tubular Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth with braces has a bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips to help you out. First, use the right toothbrush. Orthodontic toothbrushes have special bristles that clean around braces better.
We tell our Owensboro and Hardinsburg patients to brush at least twice every day. But, if you can, do it after every meal. Hold your toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle to your gums. This helps you get under your wires and around your brackets. Use small, circular motions to approach each tooth.
Remember to brush the top and bottom of each bracket. It’s also important to brush your gum line and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Spend about two minutes brushing to make sure you get every part of your mouth.
Using fluoride toothpaste helps keep your enamel strong. Remember to replace your toothbrush or head every three to four months or sooner if the bristles look worn.
You Said a Mouthful!
Using mouthwash is a great way to keep your mouth extra clean when you have braces. It helps reach places your toothbrush and floss might miss. A good mouthwash can reduce plaque, freshen your breath, and help keep your gums healthy.
Dr. Danzer says to look for a mouthwash with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and can reduce your risk of cavities. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are also a good choice because they are gentler on your mouth.
To use mouthwash effectively, swish it around your mouth for about half a minute after brushing and flossing. Make sure to rinse well, reaching all areas of your mouth, especially around your braces.
Using mouthwash daily can help wash away food particles and bacteria. It’s a fast and easy step that adds extra protection for your teeth and braces.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces takes some time to figure out, too. The wires can make traditional flossing tough, but floss threaders can help. A floss threader lets you slide the floss under the wires and between your teeth. It makes the whole process easier.
Another handy tool Dr. Danzer suggests is an interdental brush, also known as a “proxabrush.” These small brushes fit between your wires and clean spots that a regular toothbrush might not. They’re great for getting rid of food particles and plaque.
Water flossers are also good to have on hand. They use water to clean your teeth and around your braces. They’re easy to use and get the job done.
Try to floss at least once a day to keep your mouth fresh and clean. These tools can help make flossing with braces a breeze and brighten your smile.
Causes of Stains
Now you know what to do about stains. But how do they get there in the first place? Our Danzer Orthodontics team is glad you asked!
Food and Drink
One of the main reasons stains form on your teeth and braces is the food and drinks you consume. It’s summer, so we know everyone loves cold drinks. But pass on dark-colored beverages like iced or cold-brew coffee, tea, and soda. If you’re on vacation or spending some time outside, hear us out: don’t reach for Gatorade or Red Bull. They’re packed with sugar and additives that aren’t great for your braces.
Plaque Buildup
Plaque buildup is another big culprit. Braces create more surfaces for plaque to cling to, making it easier for stains to develop. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar (yikes!). Tartar is even more challenging to clean and can cause more noticeable stains.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing often enough can lead to stains. Food and plaque that are not completely cleaned from around your brackets and wires can cause discoloration.
Habits
Certain habits can also contribute to staining. Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco are major offenders. They can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth and braces. Some habits like chewing on pens or biting your nails can even trap particles in your braces.
Make Your Braces Bright and Brilliant
Keeping your teeth sparkling while wearing braces is essential for a head-turning smile. At Danzer Orthodontics, Dr. Danzer and our team in Owensboro and Hardinsburg are here to help you every step of the way. By following these tips on diet, brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you can keep stains at bay and maintain healthy teeth. Ready to start your path to a beautiful smile? Schedule a free consultation with Danzer Orthodontics today.