Many may question whether braces cause teeth discolouration or staining. Many people opt for braces for better teeth alignment to get better aesthetics and smiles. But, if this comes at the cost of teeth staining and discolouration, many would have second thoughts about whether to have a brace or avoid them. To know whether braces can cause tooth staining, the OnlyMyHealth editorial team talked to Dr Kishkindha, BDS, based in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Can Braces Cause Teeth Discolouration?

There is no such effect of braces on the teeth that leads to their discolouration, rather, it is the eating habits that cause teeth staining, stated Dr Kishkindha. “If you are eating certain types of food that have the staining ability and not cleaning your teeth after that meals, it can lead to teeth staining,” she added. She further stated that teeth discolouration happens due to food lodgement and bacterial proliferation and not due to braces.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Your Teeth Have Brown Stains

The bacterial buildup can lead to plaque formation, which can be caused by traditional braces’ intricate design of brackets and wires, which can trap food. Therefore, the biofilm that develops in difficult-to-reach areas of the teeth is responsible for these stains rather than the braces themselves.

Dr Kishkindha stated that for people who have braces, brushing could be challenging as most of the teeth surface is covered with braces. This increases the scope of food lodgement and bacterial activity, followed by plaque and calculus formation. The acidic activity of the plaque-causing bacteria produces acids that affect the teeth enamel. This demineralising activity can change the appearance of teeth, leading to stains and spots.

Preventive Measure To Avoid Teeth Staining While Having Braces

Plaque significantly increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining good dental hygiene while wearing braces can avert these problems. You can maintain oral health while wearing braces by cleaning your teeth with orthodontic toothbrushes, flossing, and regularly visiting your dentist. Besides this, you can follow the following prevention tips to avoid teeth staining while wearing braces.

Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods

Curtail foods and beverages from your diet that has the ability to stain your teeth, including sodas, high-acid fruit drinks, and sugary or starchy things.

Also Read: Teeth Stains And What They Mean

Brush & Floss Post-Meals

For people who have braces, it is of utmost importance for them to brush and floss their teeth after every meal. Brush your teeth 30 minutes after your meals to give your saliva time to wash the acids from the food away and your enamel time to solidify.

Rinsing Mouth

If you can’t brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water. After rinsing, check your teeth and braces to ensure that all food has been removed from the wire, brackets, and teeth.

The last and the most important thing is to visit your dentist regularly to get dental cleanings that will help remove tartar which you cannot get rid of from daily brushing and flossing while you have braces in your mouth.

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