The associated dental appliance can make it more challenging to maintain your teeth and gums healthy and free of food particles and plaque. However, we aim to ensure that this time of change does not negatively impact your oral health for many years to come. Yellow teeth with braces can be extremely concerning. Nevertheless, you can easily prevent it through proper oral hygiene, strict adherence to your orthodontist’s instructions, and regular dental checkups.
What causes staining?
Bacteria typically accumulate on your teeth, particularly around braces, and form plaque if not cleaned. Bacteria in the mouth produce an acid that dissolves minerals in the tooth, creating a light-colored hollow section. Eventually, this plaque will harden into calculus, or tartar, which appears brownish or yellowed hue. Often, teeth with tartar or calculus will experience demineralization.
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3 Ways to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth with Braces
1. Practice good oral hygiene.
Brush after every meal.
Brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly with a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Plaque that can accumulate and cause discoloration must be removed from the teeth by brushing when wearing braces. The dental health professional recommends brushing twice a day. When wearing braces, however, brushing after every meal is advised. The best way to clean teeth with braces is with an electric toothbrush equipped with an orthodontic head.
Make sure to floss regularly.
Make sure you floss your teeth every day. A floss threader can assist you in navigating around brackets and wires. Additionally, you may receive a tiny toothbrush to reach those difficult-to-reach areas. According to dental professionals, flossing combined with brushing can eliminate plaque more effectively than brushing alone for one to three months.
Mouthwash is recommended.
Rinse thoroughly with a fluoride mouth rinse to help maintain the strength of the teeth and avoid decalcification. Decalcification is the process by which enamel deteriorates. Decalcification might seem like a chalky white tint that later stains yellow or dark brown and decays.
2. Maintain a proper diet.
Avoid drinking acidic and sugary drinks.
Acidic and sugary beverages are destructive to your teeth if you are wearing braces. Within this scenario, you must use particular caution. Fruit juices with a high acid content, soft drinks, soda, hard drinks, sports drinks, tea, and coffee are all examples of these beverages. You may develop brown or yellow teeth if you do not avoid these drinks or take preventative measures afterward.
Keep sticky foods to a minimum.
Foods frequently become caught between teeth and braces. Additionally, eating sticky foods such as candy or chocolate worsens the issue. It’s challenging to remove those particles while wearing braces and their associated components, such as wires or elastics. This results in an increase in plaque and, eventually, tooth discoloration. Additionally, this causes tooth decay and periodontitis. Additionally, sticky candy can cause brackets to rip and can become lodged in your braces. People wearing braces should avoid eating sugar babies, toffees, candy apples, and caramel apples. Therefore, it is critical to choose the right foods if you wear braces.
3. Regular dental checkups.
Maintain the health of your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly. Additionally, if your dentist notices plaque accumulation beneath or around your braces, they can identify any problem spots. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. Otherwise, you may be required to wear your braces for an extended amount of time, increasing your risk of discoloration.
Related: How to Take Care of Adult Orthodontic Braces
Why do teeth look more yellow with braces?
When foods and beverages are consumed, the elastic component of the braces may discolor and turn a more yellow tint. If you’re concerned about the color of your braces, you should avoid foods with a lot of colors, like pasta – or anything that might stain a white shirt. You will not have to worry about staining throughout your treatment if you see this immediately after your braces are installed because the elastics are replaced every 6-8 weeks.
Contact Kumra Orthodontics and learn more about yellow teeth with braces
Plaque accumulation on the teeth near the braces’ attachment points causes stains that can be particularly frustrating after all the time, work, and money invested in braces. By scheduling an appointment with Kumra Orthodontics, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
