White spot lesions, or white decalcification stains on the front surface of teeth acquired during orthodontic treatment, are frustrating problems for every orthodontic professional. They are formed when oral hygiene is inadequate or when too much liquid sugar is consumed during orthodontic treatment.
Prevention is the key because removing white spots after they appear can be very difficult. The best way to prevent them from occurring is to first identify patients who have the greatest risk of getting them. Patients who already have the appearance of the lesions before orthodontics fall into this category. Poor oral hygiene or a poor diet can also put people at risk.
Just like our overall health, there are foods that are better for our oral health as well. We all know that sticky foods and candy can wreak havoc on our teeth and gums, causing cavities and oral decay. Most carbohydrates and sugary foods can add to this as well. The most common cause of these terrible looking stains remains inadequate oral hygiene (leaving plaque on the teeth) and soaking the plaque sponge with sugary liquid like pop, Gatorade, juices, and sweetened coffees and teas. This combination of inadequate brushing with the liquid form of sugar essentially guarantees there will be acid burns/white spot lesions on the enamel when braces are removed. Our orthodontists strongly encourage and demonstrate proper hygiene techniques and strongly discourage the consumption of these beverages
There are foods that can help us avoid the dreaded white stains. Cheese, for example, is a great snack and good for your teeth! Cheese contains calcium and protein, which are both good for you and are nutrients that can strengthen tooth enamel. Consider other snacks like apples, carrots, and celery. Cut these up into pieces and put them out for your kids to snack on. These foods are high in fiber and water, all of which are good for oral health. Other foods high on our list include leafy greens (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale), nuts, and yogurt. These can be offered as good snacks for your children. Water, especially fluoridated water, is the beverage of choice.
Making sure that your child brushes his/her teeth should always be a part of their daily routine. Even teens need a gentle reminder to brush their teeth AT LEAST TWICE A DAY! Dr. Curt tells us that everyone should be brushing immediately after meals, if at all possible. Flossing or using a waterpik is just as important as brushing. It is essential for a healthy mouth. We suggest flossing at least once a day. The more you floss the healthier your gums will be. As our orthodontists know how difficult it can be to floss with braces on, they offer a coupon to all patients initiating orthodontic treatment for a credit when a waterpik is purchased. Most patients will brush adequately but flossing during orthodontic treatment has been a known struggle for patients in orthodontics offices for decades. When picking a toothpaste for your child, remember that all toothpastes have been approved by the ADA and all are safe to use. It is just a matter of choice and we encourage the use of fluoride to help remineralize enamel that may be at greater risk for white spots during orthodontic treatment.
Finally, don’t forget those essential dental visits! Just visiting the orthodontist is not enough to prevent white spot lesions. Your children should go to his or her dentist twice a year (every 6 months) for a regular checkup, in order to be sure that their mouth is healthy and they are doing a good job with their oral hygiene. That every six-month reboot down to square one with no plaque or calculus is critical to ensuring that the risk of white spots is as low as possible.
If you have any other questions about white spot lesions, don’t hesitate to ask us.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
