Your orthodontist in Gaffney, SC, can help protect your smile.
Orthodontic treatment is the first step in having a straight, beautiful, healthy smile. It’s also a commitment to practicing excellent oral hygiene habits before the brackets and wires come off. Unfortunately, if you don’t remove plaque frequently and thoroughly, you may end up with unsightly white spots where the brackets were attached to your teeth.
You need to protect your smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment, and your orthodontist can help. Dr. Wes Turnage in Gaffney, SC, offers a wide range of dental services, including orthodontics.
The unsightly white spots are actually areas of damaged tooth enamel where the mineral content is diminished so the enamel is softer. These areas are known as “demineralized” which means they are more prone to tooth decay.
The white spots are caused by plaque clinging to your teeth. The plaque contains millions of bacteria that eat away at the enamel of your teeth, causing demineralization and tooth decay.
You can prevent white spots by practicing excellent oral hygiene. You need to:
- Brush your teeth after meals and before you go to bed; ultrasonic or electric toothbrushes can be very helpful. The pulsating action can help flush away food debris and plaque. Use toothpaste with fluoride for extra protection against tooth decay.
- Floss your teeth every day. You can use a floss threading tool or floss picks to make flossing easier.
- Use a fluoride rinse before bed. Fluoride helps prevent demineralization and hardens tooth enamel. Make sure you don’t eat, drink, or rinse immediately afterward. Topical fluoride works best when it can stay on your teeth for a while.
To learn more about the cause, prevention, and treatment of white spots during and after orthodontic treatment, call your Gaffney, SC orthodontist, Dr. Turnage. You can reach us at (864) 489-4708 now!
