How to Avoid White Spots After Braces
As if needing braces wasn't enough, now you have to worry about your teeth yellowing while the areas below your braces stay white. No need to fret too much; you just need to take good care of your teeth, know what to eat, and have the right cleaning tools to keep your teeth looking great for when your braces do finally come off. See below for tips on how to avoid those white spots after braces.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
You should still brush like you normally would in the morning and before bedtime, but you'll also need to brush your teeth after eating meals and after drinking soda (or other sugary drinks). Brushing with braces is a little different, as the brackets and wires can get in the way. Brush with your toothbrush at an angle so you get around the brackets. You can use a regular toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Also invest in a proxabrush, which is a long brush that starts narrow and gets wider. It's made to fit in between your brackets and will really come in handy. Since flossing with braces proves to be a little difficult, you'll need to use a floss threader or a floss pick instead. To help you brush when you're at school, look for a small brushing kit that will fit into your backpack to bring with you to school.
Avoid Certain Foods
There are some foods you'll notice aren't as easy to eat with braces, such as corn on the cob or popcorn. There are other foods you shouldn't eat, as they aren't good for your teeth. These foods include
- Hard candy
- Sticky candy (taffy or caramel)
- Sugary drinks (soda and juice)
- Coffee and tea
Try to drink more water than any sugary drink. The sugar can eat away at your enamel, and drinks such as coffee and tea can stain your teeth (upping your chances of having white spots on your teeth).
Eat Good Foods
- Dairy products (milk and cheese)
- Apples (sliced, not whole, to help prevent harm to your braces)
- Fish
- Whole-grain breads
Prevent white spots on your teeth after braces by brushing and eating properly. Also be sure to use toothpaste with fluoride and use mouthwash to help wash away excess plaque and sugar on your teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about other ways to help prevent your teeth from having spots after you are finished with your braces.
For more information about oral hygiene and braces, consult companies like Braces Inc.
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