Ceramic braces, also known as white brackets, are those that are made to blend with your teeth making them unnoticeable. They are a preferred option by many because they can align teeth much faster than metallic braces. However, as unique and efficient as these braces are, they stain easily, hence need extra care. The food you eat contributes to the colour of your teeth and braces in general. It is important to know what foods to avoid and which ones to eat to prevent staining.
Foods to avoid
Some foods have been thought to stain ceramic braces. Among them are:
• Sweets: Most sweets are coloured, meaning they will discolour anything in your mouth after consumption, including braces. Sweets such as toffees and chewing gum are chewy and can get stuck in the braces leaving a discoloured mess around them.
• Fizzy/Sugary drinks: Drinks such as soda and energy drinks tend to discolour teeth with continued consumption. It is best to have very minimal amounts of these, entirely avoid them or use a straw.
• Spicy foods, soups, and curries: Some foods, soups, and curries carry a lot of spices that tend to stain braces. These spices include mustard, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Avoid foods that are over-spiced. Opt for alternatives like clear soups (without spice) or curries with no serious spice, such as Thai Green Curry. Avoid foods cooked with a lot of tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Excessive coffee and tea: It is OK to drink tea and coffee but in minimal amounts. Tea and coffee have pigmentation called tannins that eventually stain braces.
• Certain fruits: Fruits are healthy, but some stain brackets. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, beets, blackberries, and pomegranates are on the list of fruits to avoid as they have pigmentation that stains teeth and braces.
It may be hard to determine what foods to avoid. Remember, if it stains your tongue, it is most likely to stain your braces.
Best foods for white braces
Soft fruits are best to consume, they are suitable for maintaining shape and colour. These include bananas and avocados. A smoothie with bananas, spinach, and kale, is a nutrients boost.
Hot chocolate is an excellent substitute for tea and coffee. A glass of milk is also a healthy alternative. However, water should be your best friend if you have clear braces.
Regular foods such as potatoes, fish, and vegetables are not harmful to ceramic brackets. However, how you eat is important as well. Eat meats such as chicken, steaks and burgers with a fork and knife. Avoid the big bites that will leave bits of food in your brace.
Brush your teeth after every meal and before bed just as a measure for extra care. Honour your dentist visits and do not smoke cigarettes.
Following this guide will help prevent your white braces from severely staining.
