When you’re getting your braces, your orthodontist probably mentioned that you need to take special care to avoid certain foods. Although this is all well and good, it can be pretty difficult to keep track of everything we shouldn’t be eating. Not only that, but when you’ve got something like braces on, it can make eating even more difficult than usual. The unfortunate part is that many people who have braces have the exact same problem as those who don’t: staining from things like blueberries and strawberries comes right along with them no matter what kind of mouth you have. After all, an orthodontist has spent plenty of time warning you about it before ever putting those braces on. An article published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics explains how common staining from berries and other foods is among people with braces; such staining happens because the fabric of the brackets traps dye from food items like berries and makes them appear twice as dark as they actually are. When you first get braces, this might cause some redness and irritation from the dye; fortunately, there are ways to prevent this or at least reduce staining if it does occur.
How To Get Rid Of Stains From Your Braces
Change the way you brush
One of the first things you should do is try out a softer toothbrush. A softer brush will help your teeth and gums feel less irritated from brushing with braces on. Brush after each meal, but be sure to scrub only the outside of the brackets. This will help keep food from getting stuck in them. You’re less likely to have stains or irritation if you stick to just cleaning the outsides of them. Try to brush at least two times every day. If you follow a similar brushing routine to what you used before braces, you may notice some redness and staining around the brackets. Once this has reduced, your teeth should go back to looking normal.
Use a Stain Remover
One way to treat a stain is by using a stain remover, which you can find in most drugstores. For example, the most popular brand of stain remover is Oxyfresh S-O-S Orange Stain Remover, and the price ranges between $7 and $12. Most of these commercial stain removers contain hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, both of which oxidize the dyes on your teeth until they are colorless. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the stains go away until you remove the affected area using a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Rinse with peroxide
If you’re less prone to staining but notice a sudden change in the color of your teeth, you may be able to fix it with peroxide. Peroxide is known for being able to remove dye from almost anything, and it even works on teeth. Peroxide is inexpensive and easy to find at most pharmacies; you can also use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water if you don’t want to buy a whole bottle. Peroxide can also be used to clean your braces between changes, and you can also let it sit on your braces for a few minutes if you want to be extra thorough.
Eat smart and take care of your mouth
If you notice a sudden change in the color of your teeth, you may want to make sure that you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking good care of your teeth and the braces on your mouth. You’re less likely to have staining from certain foods if you’re eating well and brushing and flossing after each meal. On top of that, certain vitamins can help reduce staining as well, such as vitamin C, which you can find in plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Use a Food Pen
You might have seen advertisements for food pens that keep certain types of food from staining teeth. While there’s no scientific research to back up their effectiveness, many people swear by them. You can find a food pen at your local pharmacy, and the price will vary depending on where you get it. It’s worth noting that food pens don’t actually do anything to prevent the color from getting onto your teeth in the first place. Still, they can be helpful when eating things like blueberries and strawberries.
Have a Toothpaste Made Especially for Braces
If you’re still struggling to keep your teeth clean, you may want to look into a toothpaste made especially for braces. These toothpastes are typically more abrasive than your average toothpaste, but they’re also specially formulated to remove stains. Toothpastes made for braces can be a bit hard to find, so you may have to check your local pharmacy or special orthodontic store. You can also buy them online. Most toothpastes with this kind of special formula are also designed to be extra gentle on braces, which can help with irritation.
Try a Stain Remover for your Braces
If you’re having a hard time getting rid of stains, you may want to invest in a stain remover for your braces. You’ll want to make sure their formula is non-toxic, but otherwise, they’re fairly easy to use. You can find these at your local pharmacy or online. You can also find cleaning sprays and gels that work just as well. These stain removers can be a bit pricey, but they’re definitely worth it if they help you get rid of persistent staining.
Use an Orthodontic Mouthwash
Orthodontic mouthwashes are designed to be extra gentle on teeth and gums and help prevent plaque and other bacteria from forming. You can use it in place of mouthwash or as a supplemental product. Most orthodontic mouthwashes also have a built-in antibacterial properties and are typically alcohol free. This can help with staining and kill off bacteria on your braces. Most orthodontic mouthwashes are a bit harder to find, but they’re definitely worth a shot if you’re having trouble.
Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash
If you want to be extra safe, you may want to use a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride is actually a naturally occurring mineral that can help prevent tooth decay, plaque, and other common dental problems. Most mouthwashes with fluoride also come with a special formula that is gentle enough for braces; this means you can use it to help keep staining at bay.
Best Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy When You Have Braces?
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Use a mouthwash that is designed for people with braces.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods, like caramel and chewing gum, which can get stuck in your braces or brackets and cause problems.
- See your orthodontist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to make sure you’re doing everything correctly.
- Avoid smoking, since it can stain your teeth and increase the chance of gum disease, which is more common in people who have braces.
- Make sure you’re getting enough calcium to keep your teeth strong while they’re being straightened out; this will help prevent weak or broken teeth later on in life when you don’t have braces anymore!
Tips For Keeping Braces Clean?
- Your teeth, gums, and mouth will be more susceptible to plaque buildup, tooth decay and bad breath.
- Braces need extra care so you should brush thoroughly after every meal.
- Flossing is also important, but use an orthodontic waxed floss or floss threader to make it easier.
- Use fluoride mouthwash twice a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Alternate between hot and cold water, as hot water can irritate the gums.
- Make sure you’re getting enough calcium to keep your teeth strong while they’re being straightened out; this will help prevent weak or broken teeth later on in life when you don’t have braces anymore!
Conclusion
Having braces doesn’t mean you can’t ever eat blueberries or strawberries again. You just need to be extra careful about how you eat them. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly before and after eating. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride mouthwash to help get rid of stains and keep your teeth clean. On top of that, you may want to invest in a stain remover for your braces or an orthodontic mouthwash that’s specially formulated to be gentle on braces. You can also make some adjustments to your diet, such as eating more vitamin C and drinking plenty of water, to help reduce staining. It’s worth noting that most people who get braces will have staining at one point or another. With a little extra care and attention, you can reduce the amount of staining and keep your teeth looking great. Just make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine and try to avoid the things that cause staining in the first place. With a little extra attention, you can keep your braces looking bright and blueberry-free.
