Foods to Avoid to Prevent Teeth from Staining During Treatment

January 16, 2018

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we’re proud to help patients of all ages achieve gorgeous new smiles through high-quality, convenient orthodontic treatment. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, treatment today is easier and more convenient than ever – but there are still some things you’ll need adjust to during treatment with braces. One of the biggest changes is diet.

How to Not Stain Teeth During Treatment with Braces

In addition to crunchy and sticky foods, which can damage braces, you’ll want to avoid staining your teeth as best you can while wearing braces. For one, braces can make teeth more vulnerable to stains. Food and liquids can pool around brackets, causing darker stains. Furthermore, because food only comes in contact with the exposed tooth enamel, the stains will be uneven – and having stained teeth with a white center when you get your braces off can be quite jarring!

Thankfully, keeping stains at bay isn’t difficult. Brushing and flossing teeth after every meal will help avoid stains, but to truly protect yourself, try to avoid the following foods and drinks:

  • Tomato sauce
  • Soda
  • Blueberries
  • Pomegranates
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • White wine
  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruits
  • Sugary foods
  • Coffee
  • Tea, especially black tea
  • Red wine

Any of these items can cause the enamel to discolor and stain – and worse, many can cause dental decay that can jeopardize treatment. Avoiding these foods and maintaining a strong oral hygiene regimen will help keep your teeth clean and healthy, putting you on your way to a gorgeous new smile!

Contact Your Salt Lake City Orthodontists

We hope you found this list helpful, and if you’re considering orthodontics for yourself, we can help. We have high-quality practices located conveniently throughout the greater Salt Lake City area, and we strive to make orthodontic care convenient and affordable for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about treatment and schedule your free initial consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you!