Does brushing your teeth with baking soda and braces on cause your teeth to be discolored when you get your braces off later?

No: Keeping your teeth clean is the key to not having issues later when the braces come off. Baking soda is good for managing gum issues but it lacks Fluoride which is helpful to prevent decay especially while wearing braces. I'd suggest avoiding any bleaching of your teeth while the braces are on as the enamel under the brackets won't change color and you could end up with dark spots.

No: The biggest reason teeth are discolored following braces is poor oral hygiene while wearing the braces. Thorough cleaning of teeth and gums during this time is absolutely essential. Rather than using baking soda i would suggest a toothpaste that contains Fluoride and has the ada seal showing it is effective in reducing decay.

Scars: Decalcification or demineralization scars are a result of acid leaching out calcium from the enamel of the crowns of your teeth. Most often this is due to inadequate brushing to remove plaque bacteria (baking soda is not a concern). Acidic soft or soda drinks, energy, sports, flavored water, etc. All bathe the teeth with strong acids and contribute to forming these scars.

Absolutely not: Baking soda doesn't discolor teeth, it's just a mild abrasive. Tooth discoloration is caused by not cleaning between the braces and the gum line. Use a pea-sized portion of a fluoride-containing toothpaste on a soft toothbrush (preferably electric) and brush 2 full minutes by the clock 2x/day. You must also clean between teeth w floss and/or water pik daily.