Bracing for the Big Day

Good Hygiene Habits for a Healthy Smile After Braces

By Melissa Granberry

It's the day your child has been anticipating for almost two years. She is finally getting her braces off! As her name is called from the waiting room, she can hardly hold back her excitement, knowing that within the hour she will have a straight, metal-free smile. What could ruin this day?

If your child has been taking care of her teeth, then all should go according to plan. However, Dr. Herbert Hughes of Hughes Orthodontics in Alexandria, Va., says that too often when the braces come off, marks or "white scars" are left behind. "Most of the time, these white scars can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene," says Dr. Hughes. "As an orthodontist, I try to be very proactive in notifying patients that they can take an active role in making their smile as beautiful as possible."

White scars look like little white squares that outline the area where braces once were. "It's important for people to know that braces do not cause staining," says Dr. Hughes. "Food left on teeth comes in contact with bacteria, which causes acid. This acid robs teeth of calcium and phosphate, causing decalcification or 'white scars.'"

According to Dr. Hughes, anyone who does not practice good oral hygiene can have white scars – it's not limited to orthodontic patients. "However, people with braces are more prone to getting this decalcification because the braces act as a 'food trap,'" he says. Unfortunately, these stains are usually permanent. Although teeth can be whitened to hide the stains, who wants the additional expense after investing in braces?

There are certain steps everyone should perform daily to ensure a white smile and healthy teeth: brushing, flossing and eating healthy foods. "Establishing an oral hygiene routine is critical when wearing braces, both in the morning and evening," says Susan DesPain of St. Louis, Mo. She and her daughter, Maggie, both wear braces.

Want to see more?

• Brace Yourself: Helping Your Child Adjust to Orthodontic Braces
• Teenagers Today
• Soft Teeth: Cavities Waiting to Happen
• Talk about it!