Nothing beats the excitement of getting your braces off at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates and seeing your new smile in the mirror. But after all that time and effort, the last thing you want is to notice white spots around where your brackets used to be. Dr. Larry Layfield and his team have helped countless patients avoid these pesky stains, which are not caused by braces, but by plaque buildup weakening the enamel. The good news? With the right habits, you can keep your teeth looking as bright as the lights at Wurstfest—let’s talk about how to make that happen.
Why White Spots Happen
White spots appear over time and are a sign that plaque has overstayed its welcome. During treatment, food particles and bacteria team up to form a sticky film on teeth. If it’s not brushed away, this plaque produces acids that weaken enamel, leaving behind dull, chalky patches once braces come off. Think of it like leaving a can of soda on your favorite wooden table—over time, it leaves a mark you don’t want.
So, what gives plaque the upper hand?
- Missed brushing spots – Brackets and wires create tricky hiding places for plaque, especially around the gumline and between teeth.
- Too much sugar and acid – Soda, candy, and even sports drinks speed up enamel breakdown.
- Skipping flossing – Plaque between teeth goes unchecked, hardens into tartar, and creates lasting damage that brushing alone can’t fix.
- Wearing clear aligners without brushing – Clear aligners can trap plaque and acidic drinks or foods, leading to trouble. Brush or rinse before replacing your aligners.
White spots are completely avoidable with the right routine. Dr. Larry Layfield and the team at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates have helped countless patients keep their smiles bright from start to finish. Next, let’s go over the brushing habits that will keep your teeth spotless—literally.
Brush Like a Pro
Brushing with braces requires technique, timing, and the right tools. When done correctly, it keeps plaque from setting up camp around your brackets and ensures your teeth stay spotless. Here’s how to brush like an expert while wearing braces:
Two Minutes, Every Time
Set a timer or play your favorite song and brush for at least two full minutes, making sure to cover every surface. 30 seconds before you catch your ride to school isn’t enough time!
Angle Matters
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below the brackets, not just straight across. This is especially important on the gumline side of the braces.
Electric vs. Manual
Electric toothbrushes do the heavy lifting by breaking up plaque more effectively, but a soft-bristled manual brush works well if used with care.
Interdental Brushes
These tiny, cone-shaped brushes reach the spaces regular brushes miss, giving brackets and wires a deeper clean.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Strengthens enamel and helps protect against the white spots that plaque leaves behind. Our kit for you includes professional-strength fluoride toothpaste that you should use at least once every day. Dr. Layfield suggests that you brush with this toothpaste before bed, and then spit but don’t rinse, so you get the best effect from the fluoride.
Dr. Larry Layfield and the team at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates recommend brushing after every meal to stop plaque before it has a chance to settle. But brushing is only part of the equation—next, let’s talk about why flossing is just as important for keeping your teeth spotless.
Floss Like a Boss
Brushing covers a lot of ground, but flossing is what gets into the spaces where plaque loves to hide. Think of it like tubing on the Guadalupe—brushing is the wide, open river, but flossing gets into the little inlets where debris builds up. If you skip it, plaque and food particles stick around and create the perfect setup for white spots, even if you are a great brusher. Here’s how to make flossing easier (and actually stick to it):
- Floss Threaders – These handy tools help you weave floss under your wires, making it easier to clean between teeth without frustration.
- Water Flossers – A game-changer for braces! These devices blast away plaque and food particles with a pressurized stream of water.
- Orthodontic Floss – Designed to be sturdier than regular floss, it’s great for getting around brackets and wires without shredding.
- Stick to a Routine – Floss at least once a day—right before bed is best to clear out anything left behind from meals and snacks.
The team at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates recommends pairing flossing with your professional-strength fluoride for an extra layer of protection. But even the best brushing and flossing routine won’t cancel out a bad diet—up next, let’s break down the foods that help (and hurt) your teeth during treatment.
Your Menu for a Spot-Free Smile
What you eat isn’t just about staying full—it plays a big role in keeping your teeth healthy and free of stains. Some foods help strengthen enamel and fight plaque, while others make white spots more likely to appear. Think of it like a trip to Naegelin’s Bakery—the right choices leave you satisfied, while the wrong ones might leave a mark you weren’t expecting.
Smile-Friendly Foods (Load Up on These!)
- Cheese & Yogurt – Packed with calcium and phosphorus to keep enamel strong, as well as protein for strong muscles.
- Crunchy Veggies & Fruits – Carrots, apples, and celery naturally clean teeth while you chew. Just be sure to cut them into small, manageable pieces to avoid any damage.
- Water – The MVP of oral health—keeps teeth clean and washes away bacteria.
Foods That Spell Trouble (Keep These to a Minimum)
- Sugary Snacks – Candy, cookies, and pastries give plaque exactly what it wants to thrive.
- Sticky Foods – Caramel, gummy candies, and dried fruit cling to teeth and brackets.
- Acidic Drinks – Soda, sports drinks, and citrus juices wear down enamel over time.
- Starchy Foods – Chips, crackers, and white bread break down into sugars that feed plaque.
Making smarter food choices is an easy solution to keep your teeth strong during treatment, and a little planning at mealtime can go a long way!
Keep Your Smile Spot-Free!
Braces are temporary, but the results last a lifetime—so why let white spots steal the spotlight? With smart brushing, flossing, and a little strategy in the kitchen, you can keep your teeth looking fresh and spot-free. Dr. Larry Layfield and the team at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates are here to help every step of the way. Book your free consultation at our New Braunfels office today!
