White spots can sometimes pop up for braces patients during orthodontic treatment, so here are our tips to avoid them!
It’s always a huge bummer when a patient comes in to get their braces removed, and then looks in the mirror to see white spots on their new smile. Every patient puts in so much time and effort for this big reveal moment, and it’s understandable when these white spots create a letdown.
But here at JK Orthodontics, we’re here to help you make the most of your orthodontic treatment results, and that includes helping you avoid and remove white spots as they come up.
Below are some tips to help you when it comes to preventing white spots during your orthodontic treatment journey!
What Exactly Are White Spots?
Whether you refer to them as white spots, or decalcification, or just discoloration, these white stains on a patient’s teeth can always be disheartening when it’s time for Dr. Karpac to remove your braces. If you’re noticing any white spots that don’t wash away while brushing your teeth, then this is your first sign that you may be experiencing enamel decalcification.
This type of decalcification is typically caused by acidic exposure from beverages, food, and bacteria found within dental plaque. When your teeth continuously come in contact with these types of acids, they’ll slowly erode and leave behind opaque white spots.
The true key to avoiding these white spots is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, but as we all know, brushing and flossing is a little more difficult while wearing braces. That’s why it’s absolutely critical for braces patients to thoroughly work around their wires and brackets, because even diligent brushers can potentially develop white spots during their orthodontic treatment journey!
How Common Are These White Spots?
It’s important to remember that white spots are more common than most people would assume. About 50% of braces patients will develop white spots at least temporarily during the course of their treatment, so it’s actually very common.
The good news is that white spots are easy to prevent and treat, so if this issue does occur for you, the JK Orthodontics team will give you the tips and instructions that you’ll need to refresh your smile.
Do These White Spots Naturally Disappear?
White spots that occur during orthodontic treatment aren’t permanent, and they’ll typically disappear naturally when the patient adopts a more consistent oral hygiene routine.
Sometimes using a fluoride toothpaste can be all that’s needed to restore a patient’s enamel, and ultimately reduce the visibility of white spots.
Tips To Prevent White Spots
Although white spots can naturally fade away, it’ll be much more effective to prevent them in the first place. Below are some tips from Dr. Karpac to help ensure that your teeth maintain an even tone throughout the course of your braces treatment:
Have A Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
This is by far the most important tip when it comes to preventing enamel decalcification, and this means brushing at least twice per day with a soft-bristled brush and for at least a full two minutes per brush.
It’s also a good idea to bring a toothbrush with you to school on wherever you go during your daily routine, because brushing after meals can go a very long way to protect your teeth from acidic buildup—and this includes after lunchtime. So, consider having an on-the-go toothbrush for when you need it.
Use A Proximal Brush
Proximal brushes are incredible orthodontic tools for braces patients, and this is because they do a great job at getting in the nooks and crannies of a patient’s brackets and wires. Proximal brushes are also more convenient tools to help braces patients obtain the full effects of flossing, but without the time-consuming hassles.
So, when you’re done brushing your teeth normally, use your proximal brush to get to those hard-to-reach places within your braces in order to fully ensure that you’re getting a thorough clean with each cleaning session.
Avoid Acidic & Sugary Drinks/Foods
There are all sorts of foods and drinks that are very high in sugar, and we all know how these types of food products are terrible when it comes to containing bacteria that cause cavities. These acids and bacteria will ultimately wear down your enamel, which leads to decalcification and white spots.
That’s why braces patients should opt for healthier food options and water in order to protect their smiles throughout the treatment process.
Reach Out To The JK Orthodontics Team To Discover Your Brand-New Smile!
At JK Orthodontics, our team is here to make sure that you receive top-quality treatment results. This means that Dr. Karpac and our team will always be monitoring your teeth for warning signs associated with enamel decalcification during your treatment journey, and we’ll be there when you need help preventing or reversing the effects of white spots prior to your big removal appointment.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-766-0330 (Dublin office) or 614-471-6355 (Gahanna office) to speak with our team today about your concerns with enamel decalcification and white spots!