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Stains can make your braces look unattractive. Here are a few things you can do to avoid stains while wearing braces.

Foods to avoid

Sticky foods, such as caramel and taffy, can stick to braces and cause stains. Clear aligners are also more prone to staining, so it’s important to take regular cleanings with you while you have your braces on. However, here are some foods to avoid while wearing braces to prevent staining.

• Dark-colored berries and fruits like blueberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and cranberries
• Coffee and tea
• Red wine and other types of alcohol
• Cola, sports drinks, and other carbonated beverages
• Sauces like curry sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and barbecue sauce
• Most sports candies and gum
• Pickled foods and condiments
• Any type of soda
• Certain types of natural food coloring in foods like beets, carrots, and other foods can naturally dye your mouth

How to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces

It’s normal for many patients to have a hard time keeping their teeth clean when wearing braces. This is because food can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it much harder to reach and clean certain areas of your mouth. That’s why it’s extremely important for you to floss regularly to make sure that any trapped food is taken out before it has a chance to stain or damage your teeth and gums.

It’s also recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day in order to keep your oral health in check while your braces are on. However, when it comes to brushing, it’s very important that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush in order to brush away any plaque or bacteria from the surface of your teeth without damaging your braces. Soft bristles are also less likely to cause any irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth. Brushing too hard or using hard-bristled toothbrushes can result in bleeding gums or discomfort in the area where your braces are placed. And all of this can lead to damaged orthodontic appliances that will need to be fixed or replaced. So be sure to stick to soft-bristled brushes until your braces are removed for good.

Furthermore, it’s also a good idea to rinse out your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything acidic such as soda, orange juice, or wine. These drinks can break down tooth enamel more quickly when you have braces on, leaving your teeth vulnerable to deterioration. Rinsing out your mouth with water can help to clear away these acids before they have a chance to cause any damage.

Also, remember to always wear a protective mouth guard during sports games or other athletic activities in order to protect your braces from impact or from being knocked out altogether. Ask your orthodontist about what kind of mouth guard would be best for you and have them fit it to you to ensure that it fits properly. 

Request an appointment or call Osuna Dental Care: Chris Y. Kim DDS at (505) 884-1989 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.