If you wear a ring on any of your fingers, you may notice a tan line in the shape of the ring whenever you remove it. If you move a piece of furniture that has stood in the same spot for some time, you may notice that the floor where it rested seems a different hue than the rest of the floor. In these cases, your ring blocks the sun from contacting the skin under it, while the furniture shields the area it rests on from dirt, grime, daily life, and other influences that have changed the floor around it over time. Following these examples, many people might believe that tooth discoloration is normal after removing braces that they or their children have worn for years. However, the comparison would be false, and the stains that are sometimes revealed upon the removal of braces are not inevitable. To help you make the most of your braces by keeping your teeth stain free while you wear them, Lake Worth orthodontist, Dr. Ciro Cabal, offers this advice.
Tips for Stain-Free Orthodontics
The stains that can appear when braces come off are typically the result of the braces trapping food, which provides fuel for oral bacteria to produce acid that saps your teeth of essential minerals. The resulting decalcification results in the small stains known as “white scars.” These stains are typically permanent, so to avoid the need for cosmetic tooth whitening after completing your orthodontic treatment, follow these tips for keeping your teeth and braces clean.
- Normally, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, every day. Because braces can act as a food trap, however, that number increases to four times daily during orthodontic treatment; once after every meal and again before bed.
- When you are away from home and can’t brush your teeth, carry a water bottle (in case you don’t have access to water) to rinse your mouth after eating.
- During your hygiene routine, rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthrinse to help strengthen your tooth enamel against acid attacks, stains, and tooth decay. Ensuring plenty of calcium in your diet can also help keep enamel strong, since the mineral is a main component in tooth enamel’s makeup.
- Be sure to visit your dentist at least once every six months, or sooner if recommended, for a comprehensive dental checkup and cleaning.
Stain-Free Teeth with Braces in Lake Worth
To learn more about keeping your smile and your braces clean and stain-free, call Lake Country Orthodontics today at (817) 236-7846 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cabal. Located in the 76135 area, we proudly serve families from Lake Worth, Azle, Saginaw, Springtown, Weatherford, Haslet, Lake Worth, and all surrounding communities.
