Braces help straighten your teeth for a beautiful, healthy smile. While wearing them, however, you’ll need to take special precautions to clean the brackets and wires. If you don’t, plaque can build up, causing stains and uneven coloration on your enamel. If any stains don’t fade after six months, your dentist will help you whiten them. Since prevention is always preferable, however, use the tips below to maintain your pearly whites. 

A Guide to Teeth Staining & Braces

1. Brush After Each Meal 

While everyone should brush at least twice daily, individuals with braces should brush after each meal and snack. Teeth full of leftover food particles eventually lead to plaque buildup, which is the main cause of stained teeth. Keep a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag so you can clean on the go.

2. Skip the Whitening Toothpaste

While whitening toothpastes can brighten your teeth, it may not reach the area underneath your braces. To avoid an unsightly contrast, use regular toothpaste until after your braces are removed.

3. Floss Daily

Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your braces clean. Flossing with braces is more challenging than without, but the results are worth the effort. Oral irrigators and floss threaders can simplify the process. Rinsing with an anti-cavity mouthwash will rid your mouth of excess germs and bacteria. 

4. Avoid Questionable Foods

You should stay away from certain foods when wearing braces. Coffee, tea, and sugar-filled energy drinks can erode enamel, staining your teeth. High-acid foods like tomato sauce should also be limited, as they gradually weaken enamel and leave it prone to staining. 

5. Don’t Skip Cleaning Appointments 

Your routine six-month dental checkup is even more important when you have braces. Changing the rubber bands that support the brackets combined with thorough teeth cleaning are the perfect way to prevent staining and attain your best smile possible.

Let Dr. Deborah L. Schafer DDS, MS in Wayland, NY, and her expert team help you reach your oral health goals. With a range of orthodontic treatments including adult braces, teeth straightening, and teeth whitening you can trust Dr. Schafer to give you quality care and top-notch results. Check out her website for more information or call her office directly at (585) 728-3830.