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White Spots: Causes and Prevention

White Spots: Causes and Prevention

Do Orthodontic Braces Cause White Spots on Teeth?

White spots that appear on the surface of your teeth are signs that these areas are going through a process of losing their mineral content. They are usually small pockets just under the surface which are caused by the presence of dental plaque. Cavities are caused in this way, too.

How are white spots formed?

What appears as white, chalky marks on the surface of the tooth occur when acids formed from the plaque dissolve minerals. This process alters the manner in which the surface reflects light. White spots are often located in areas which are difficult to brush which include between the gums and the brackets. White spots can often develop beneath gum tissue that has become swollen making detection more difficult. It is only when the braces have been removed and the swelling has subsided that detection is possible.

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