Chalky, opaque-looking white spots on the teeth are not uncommon today. Maybe you have them or perhaps you’ve seen them on the teeth of friends or family. Many things can cause white spots on the teeth. They can be a factor of nutrition, genetics, an excess of fluoride intake at a young age, or poor oral hygiene.
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, white spots can develop if plague is allowed to remain “around the brackets and along the gum line” for an extended period of time without proper brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene is critical during treatment. Since the bonding material that glues the bracket to each tooth creates and air tight seal, you seldom see white marks underneath the braces but around the braces and along the gum line after braces are removed.
When you ingest food and drink, the pH (level of acidity) can drop below 5.5. This is the critical threshold when cavities begin to occur. If the plague lies around the braces for extended periods of time, decalcification or white marks (beginning of decay) occurs.
How to Prevent White Spots
Keep in mind that hair and eye color are determined at birth, just like the color of teeth and susceptibility to decay is also unique to each individual. What causes white spots on teeth is different for everyone. At Spark Orthodontics, our goal is to educate all our patients and parents on how good oral hygiene and diet impact your dental health during orthodontic treatment. Lets all work together to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime!
Get The Smile You've Always Dreamed Of!
Spark Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence. However, we want you to feel confident that your choice in an orthodontist in PA, is the right one. Follow the steps below and get that smile you have always dreamed of.
