The day you get your braces off is an exciting day to say the least. You
can wait to see what you look like without a mouth full of metal and show
off that beautiful, perfect, white new smile. However, sometimes the results
aren’t what you expected. Yes, your teeth are straight and beautiful,
but some of you might notice white spots on the teeth that are lighter
in color than the surrounding area. Worry not! There’s an easy explanation
and an easy fix with Speaks Orthodontics.
What Are White Spots?
These white spots on your teeth can easily be seen due to their lighter
color than the rest of the enamel. In some case, the texture differs as
well. These spots are are do to worn down or removed minerals from a process
called demineralization.
Demineralization is a process that slowly eats away at the tooth and is
usually associated with eating and drinking items containing large amounts
of sugar. Just like cavities and tooth decay occurs, the sugar feeds the
bacteria in your mouth and adheres to the tooth. This bacteria produces
lactic acid that essentially destroys calcium, an important element on
your teeth.
Other Causes Of White Spots
Sugar is not the only culprit for white spots left on the teeth. Others include:
- Too much fluoride
- dry mouth
- very acidic foods and drinks
- poor oral hygiene
- whitening strips
- Disease
These can all lead to demineralization and are something to ask your orthodontist.
White Spots From Braces
With braces, it’s easy for bacteria to build around the braces and
appliances in direct contact with teeth. This plaque can accumulate on
the teeth’s surface and hide around the metal in your mouth. Eventually,
it will start to break down the minerals that your teeth need to stay
healthy. This isn’t your fault and often can’t be avoided.
The good news is, there are ways to fix this to give you the exact smile
you want and love.
Getting Rid Of White Spots
There are many treatment options to remove white spots on the teeth. These
treatments can eliminate or minimize the appearance to enhance your teeth’s enamel.
1. Remineralization Pastes & Kits
This can be over-the-counter or recommended by your orthodontist or dentist.
Some of our favorites include:
- MI Paste
- Sensodyne Repair & Protect
- Remineralization Kit For Tooth Enamel & Mineral
If you decide to try one of these before consulting a professional, make
sure you are following the directions and know how to use them properly.
2. Avoiding Foods With Phytic Acid
Phytic Acid reduces the amount of phosphorus in the eat and binds with
calcium and other minerals. This is found in foods including:
- Grains
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Legumes
Don’t completely remove these from your diet as they are essential
to health. We encourage you to be aware of your intake.
3. Eat Vitamin & Mineral Rich Foods
Foods packed with vitamins and minerals are healthy for not only your teeth
but also your body. These will help rebuild your enamel and keep your
oral health in check:
- Dairy products
- Protein – meals, fish, eggs
- Avocados
- Oils – fish, coconut
All of these are essential nutrients that should be a part of your daily
diet, but if they aren’t, it’s time to start adding them.
4. Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral found in the body that can either help strengthen
or weaken the teeth’s enamel by modifying the tooths structure.
We encourage you to make an appointment for a fluoride treatment if this
is something that interests you.
White spots can be bothersome when first looking in the mirror after you
get your braces off. However, there are multiple simple fixes available
to make your smile exactly how you want it. At Speaks Orthodontics, our
jobs not complete until you are 100% satisfied with your smile.