A concern many people have about orthodontic care is developing white spots by the end of orthodontic treatment. Since braces cover most of the surface of your teeth, it’s a valid concern. White spots on teeth are one of the most common side effects of plaque buildup during orthodontic treatment. Plaque, if not removed around the brackets, can damage the enamel and may cause tooth decay and/or white spots.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your risk of developing them. Below are the tips on how to prevent white spots from Lozman Orthodontics!
Consistent Oral Hygiene
You probably already know that maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is the best way to ensure your teeth’s health. However, it’s also the best way to prevent white spots!
Brushing and flossing twice daily removes bacteria and plaque from your braces, teeth, and gums that could erode your enamel. Weakened enamel makes your teeth vulnerable to gum disease, as well as decalcification, an often permanent type of white spot, tooth decay, which can cause temporary and permanent discoloration.
Dr. Michael and Dr. Robin Lozman recommend investing in a water flosser or interproximal brushes to keep your mouth squeaky clean and white spot-free. These tools make it easier to thoroughly clean plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, reducing the possibility of tooth discoloration.
Water flossers use water to rid the mouth of stubborn bacteria, plaque, and food particles. The water can clean all the hard-to-reach places of the mouth, making your routine more effective and efficient.
Interproximal or interdental brushes are small, radial brushes that can fit behind fixed appliance wires and between your teeth. It’s a great tool on the go or at home to clean all the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
Both water flossers and interproximal brushes are fantastic additions to brushing and traditional thread flossing.
Follow Dietary Guidelines
It can feel challenging, but modifying your diet is crucial to maintain the excellent health of your braces and teeth to prevent white spots!
Whether you have fixed or removable braces, frequent acidic and sugary food consumption can break down your enamel and lead to white spots.
If you have fixed braces, non-approved foods can quickly get stuck and make them difficult to clean, increasing your chances of developing discoloration. Ask your orthodontist for specifics on what you should and shouldn’t eat.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a natural substance in your body that helps strengthen your enamel. Strong enamel can reduce your risk of white spots by protecting your teeth from threats that cause them! We suggest using mouthwash with fluoride along with fluoride toothpaste to increase your resistance to decalcification and white spots.
Don’t Use Store-Bought Whitening Products
Everyone loves a bright smile, and social media’s growth and push for veneers have only prolonged the trend. We completely understand why you would want them—they’re very pretty! However, if you have braces, we must stress the importance of waiting until your treatment has finished before using any whitening product or treatment because it can create discoloration.
This is because your fixed braces cover a significant portion of your teeth with an airtight seal. Therefore, the whitening agent won’t reach the entire surface of your teeth. When your braces come off, your teeth will be at least two colors! Returning your teeth to all one color can be expensive, challenging, and time-consuming, so we suggest holding off on whitening treatments until Dr. Lozman gives you the go-ahead.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental cleanings are essential to your oral health and smile appearance before, during, and after treatment! Attending these appointments as frequently as your dentist recommends allows your oral healthcare provider to find and treat issues before they can cause white spots or more severe damage to your teeth and gums.
Professional teeth cleanings also remove bacteria and plaque that inevitably build up, regardless of your at-home regimen. Whether you have removable aligners or fixed braces, you should make it a habit to see your dentist regularly
Straighten Your Smile With Lozman Orthodontics
There are many causes and reasons for white spots, but the most effective way to prevent them during orthodontic care is to visit Lozman Orthodontics and your general dentist regularly. Drs. Michael and Robin Lozman can give you personalized advice and recommendations based on your needs, treatment plan, and lifestyle, eliminating any white spot-related stress you may have.
Schedule an appointment or free consultation at our Latham office and learn more about preventing white spots during orthodontic treatment.