Chalky, opaque white spots on teeth are more common than you might think. Maybe you have noticed them on your own teeth or on a friend’s. White spots can come from several sources, including nutrition, genetics, too much fluoride at a young age, and (the one most relevant during orthodontic treatment) poor oral hygiene.
During treatment with braces, white spots can form when plaque is left sitting around the brackets and along the gum line without thorough brushing and flossing. This is why good oral hygiene is so important while you are in braces. Because the bonding material seals each bracket to the tooth, you rarely see white marks directly under the bracket. Instead, they show up around the brackets and along the gum line after the braces come off.
Here is why it happens: when you eat and drink, the acidity in your mouth can rise (the pH drops). When plaque stays on the teeth around your braces for long stretches, that acid begins to pull minerals out of the enamel, and the early result is those chalky white marks, which are the very beginning of decay.
How to Prevent White Spots
The good news is that decalcification is largely preventable with a solid routine:
- Brush well, especially before bed. You do not want plaque sitting around your braces all night. Brush carefully around every bracket and along the gum line, then check in the mirror to make sure you got it all.
- Consider an electric toothbrush. They tend to do a thorough job around brackets.
- Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and food between teeth where a brush cannot reach.
- Ask about fluoride. A prescription fluoride toothpaste or rinse may help, depending on your needs and habits.
- Go easy on acidic foods and drinks. Sour candies, citrus, soda, sports drinks, and lemonade all raise your risk when consumed often. Rinsing with water afterward helps.
Every person’s teeth are unique, and so is their susceptibility to white spots. Our goal at Berkeley Family Orthodontics is to help every patient and parent understand how good hygiene and a smart diet protect your smile during treatment. For a full rundown of daily care, see our braces care guide.
Questions About Caring for Your Braces?
We are here to help you finish treatment with a bright, healthy smile. Call Berkeley Family Orthodontics at (510) 849-3613 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 2999 Regent Street, Suite 408, in Berkeley’s Elmwood neighborhood.