How to Avoid White Spots from Wearing Braces

When completing orthodontic treatment with regular braces in Cumming, GA, you want the first time you look in the mirror to be a memorable and happy moment. How would you feel if you were anticipating a beautiful smile only to be met with marring white spots on the surfaces of your teeth? Although not uncommon for individuals who have worn metal braces, these imperfections are preventable. Read on to find out what steps you can take to avoid these flaws and instead, embrace a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

While wearing your braces, it is important that you continue to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, this will not only help to minimize tooth decay and strengthen the enamel, but it will also keep any food particles and acids from causing your teeth to decalcify.

Minimize Your Sugar Intake

Eating too many foods that are high in sugar can lead to an increased risk for cavities and tooth decay. It can also cause white spots to develop on your tooth enamel. While it may not be easy to avoid the temptation of soda, candy, or sports drinks, especially in the summertime, do your best to choose water, fruits, and vegetables to increase your energy and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

Avoid Using a Whitening Toothpaste

Although you may want your teeth to appear sparkling white while wearing braces, remember, everything but the space underneath the bracket is being whitened. Because the solution cannot penetrate that particular area, you do not want a small piece of enamel in the shape of a square to be a shade darker than the rest of your teeth.

Use an Interproximal Toothbrush

When wearing braces, there are tools and products you can use to make maintaining your oral health easier. One of these is an interproximal toothbrush, which helps to get between your wires and brackets as well as remove food particles and plaque that can accumulate around your teeth and gums.

Rinse with a Fluoride Mouthwash

In addition to using fluoride toothpaste, it is helpful to use a mouthwash with the same beneficial mineral that can strengthen your tooth enamel in a way that makes it more resistant to white spots.

By following these steps, you will not only see straighter teeth when finished with braces, but you will also see a healthy smile that is void of white spots. But don’t worry! Even if there are a few areas that appear to stand out more than others, your orthodontist can offer useful techniques to reduce or eliminate these minor flaws.

About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is a board-certified orthodontist who believes in the importance of a healthy smile for all patients. She and her team at Serenity Orthodontics offer a multitude of orthodontic solutions design to treat all types of dental problems, including overcrowding, spaces between teeth, and misaligned bites. While wearing traditional braces, she can offer tips and solutions to help you avoid white spots once you are finished with treatment. To learn how to properly care for your smile and help it look its best after you’re done with braces, visit our website or call (470) 589-4475.