Have you noticed white spots on your teeth with braces? White spots may appear around braces brackets, and they remain after your braces are removed. What are white spots on teeth, and how do you prevent them?
White spots on teeth are a form of enamel decalcification. The demineralization of your tooth’s protective layer is often the result of poor oral hygiene. The easiest way to prevent them is to brush and floss regularly. But if you get white spots on your teeth, can you fix white spots after braces?
Smith & Davis Orthodontics knows your smile is important to you. It’s why you’re getting braces in the first place, right? We want your smile to be perfect, which is why we will do all we can to help you prevent white spots on your teeth after braces.
What Are White Spots on Teeth?
Are the white spots on teeth from braces brackets? They aren’t, but they may appear around your brackets. Some people find it challenging to get their teeth as clean with braces as they do without them. The buildup of plaque and bacteria around your brackets is what can cause white spots on your teeth.
The white spots occur when bacteria pull calcium and other minerals out of your enamel, weakening it and making it thinner. Those thin spots are now more vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities.
The reason you tend to see white spots around braces brackets is that it may be harder to brush well around them, so that plaque can build up around the brackets.
What Causes Teeth Demineralization?
What causes the decalcification of teeth? Acids and bacteria on your teeth can eat away at the minerals in your enamel, but certain foods can accelerate the process. Foods high in sugar or acid can increase decalcification. This can include candy, sodas, sports drinks, fruit juices, and citrus fruits.
Certain medications and health conditions can also cause decalcification. Poor nutrition, chronic dry mouth, and natural enamel thinning or hypoplasia can result in white spots on teeth. Some medications may cause these, so speaking with your doctor could help. They may recommend ways to combat the side effects or may be able to change the medication.
However, the leading cause is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing properly will cause white spots on teeth. You need to brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time. You should also floss at least once a day.
Preventing White Spots on Teeth After Braces
Do you know how to prevent white spots on teeth after braces? The easiest way is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly.
Here are some tips on preventing white spots on teeth.
- Brush at least twice a day, taking care to brush around brackets and wires. Brush for at least two minutes at a time, or 30 seconds each to the top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right side of your mouth.
- Use an electric toothbrush. Rotating, vibrating toothbrush heads can loosen and remove plaque and food particles better than manual toothbrushes around brackets and wires.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride reacts with your saliva to strengthen your enamel. Don’t use toothpaste with whitening agents, or you may end up with dark spots once the brackets are removed!
- Don’t eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after brushing to give the fluoride time to reach peak efficiency in strengthening your enamel.
- Floss first using a floss threader to get over or under wires. Flossing first lets you brush away plaque and food particles afterward.
- Rinse with plain water after meals if you can’t floss to help remove plaque and food particles. Use fluoridated tap water if available for extra enamel protection.
- Use a water flosser to remove plaque around brackets and between teeth, but remember it’s no substitute for dental floss, which scrubs better.
- Keep up with your regular dental visits for professional cleanings. Your dentist can spot signs of decalcification during cleanings.
- Keep up your regular appointments with Smith & Davis Orthodontics. We will examine your teeth as part of your regular checkup and can spot any problems, including potential white spots forming on your teeth.
FAQs About White Spots on Teeth
Are white spots on teeth permanent?
Unfortunately, yes, they are permanent. That’s why it’s so important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, especially during braces treatment.
Can you fix white spots after braces?
The best way to fix white spots on your teeth after braces is with professional tooth whitening treatment, which will lighten the rest of your teeth rather than remove the white spots.
Will I have braces stains from braces glue?
No, braces glue or bonding agent will not stain your teeth, and it will be removed after your braces.
Are there other ways to help prevent white spots on my teeth?
If you need extra protection, your dentist may have fluoride treatments available to help strengthen your enamel. A fluoride gel is painted on your teeth and absorbed into the enamel, providing extra strength. Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments.
Braces Treatment in Rogers, AR
White spots on your teeth can distract from your straight, healthy, new smile. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent white spots on your teeth. However, if you think you’re getting white spots, schedule an appointment with Smith & Davis Orthodontics in Rogers, Arkansas.
Let us help you figure out why the white spots are appearing and offer solutions to stop demineralization before it damages your enamel. That way, once your braces come off, you’ll be able to enjoy your clean, healthy smile!
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