White Spots on Teeth After Braces (Causes & Prevention)
If you’ve recently gotten your braces removed, you may have noticed white spots on your teeth. These spots, also known as decalcification, are a common side effect of orthodontic treatment and can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of white spots on teeth after braces and discuss ways to prevent and treat them. Whether you’re concerned about the appearance of these spots or simply want to maintain the health of your teeth, this post will provide valuable information and guidance. So, read on to learn more about white spots on teeth after braces and how to keep your smile bright and healthy.
They form when acid begins to dissolve the teeth and are often due to poor tooth brushing techniques while braces are in use. Removing the plaque from teeth is particularly important because it is the bacteria in the plaque that produces an acid that can slowly dissolve teeth. There is a greater risk of attracting white spots while wearing braces but they can occur at any time to anyone who does not keep his or her teeth scrupulously clean.
How To Prevent White Spots While Wearing Braces?
The prevention of white spots during brace wearing is important as they are the forerunner to cavity formation, if not stopped in their tracks. When acid begins its attack on a tooth, thousands of tiny holes are formed in the enamel on the tooth’s surface.
White spots occur in 10 – 20 % of children while they are wearing braces. Many incidents are due to poorly executed brushing and flossing which leaves plaque present on the teeth causing white spots and gum disease. The main way the prevention of white spots is through good flossing and brushing.
Other White Spots on Teeth Causes and Treatments
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Celiac Disease
Celiac disease results in shortened lifespan, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and osteoporosis. It can also affect the enamel of your teeth which will cause white spots to occur. It also comes with other oral defects like undersized teeth, teeth with pitting and yellow teeth.
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Eat Mineral Foods
As well as avoiding some food, there are some foods that you can eat more of to help get rid of the white spots on your teeth. Foods with vitamins and minerals will help your body revitalize your teeth enamel. Some foods that you can eat more of are raw dairy products, meat, fish and eggs, coconut and fish oils or avocados.
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Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are popular. However, these teeth whitening strips are actually causing white spots. Teeth-whitening strips are highly acidic. This can remove the enamel from your teeth. As the enamel becomes less white spots will start to form.
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Composite Restoration
The white spots on your teeth sometimes sink below the surface of the surrounding enamel. Composite restoration is a way to deal with the problem, it is a dental procedure that uses a special type of resin. The resin is applied to your teeth over the white spots and levels it with the rest of the enamel. The resin can be colored to match the rest of the tooth.
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Microabrasion
This technique uses a mixture of fine particles of pumice and hydrochloric acid. This then sands down and polishes the enamel. White spots are noticeable or completely gone because all new enamel is exposed. Microabrasion is a process that can be combined with other dental techniques.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some possible causes of white spots on teeth after braces:
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Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing your teeth and gums properly can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can cause white spots to form on your teeth.
- Infrequent fluoride exposure: Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, so if you’re not getting enough of it, your teeth may be more prone to developing white spots.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay, so if you have a dry mouth, you may be more likely to develop white spots on your teeth.
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Braces-related irritation: If your braces are rubbing against your teeth or gums, it can cause irritation and lead to the formation of white spots.
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Acidic or sugary foods and drinks: Consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks can weaken the enamel on your teeth and lead to white spots.
- Certain medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth or interfere with the absorption of fluoride, which can increase the risk of white spots on teeth.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more prone to developing white spots on their teeth due to genetics.
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Vitamin deficiencies: A deficiency in certain vitamins, such as vitamin D or calcium, can increase the risk of white spots on teeth.
Orthodontists can usually predict the likely chances of an outbreak of white spots as they know why they develop which is mainly due to insufficient oral hygiene before the wearing of braces. Fluoride should be used in toothpaste as a means of preventing decalcification. Braces recipients often require additional help and they need to be extra careful when brushing and flossing teeth. An electric toothbrush can help to prevent white spots as it removes plaque effectively.
Accordingly, for advice about your braces or to find out how best to look after them, make an appointment with Dr. Gluck today.
Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.
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