A Swedish study has found that high-fluoride toothpaste may prevent white spots from developing on the teeth when braces are worn.
Studies have shown that 85% of orthodontic patients go on to develop permanent white lesions following treatment.
The high-fluoride toothpaste, which contains four times the regular amount of fluoride found in toothpaste, proved effective in stopping one third of the white lesions in 11- to 16-year-olds.
Five dental practices and more than 400 people were given the opportunity to participate in the study conducted by Malmo University. Among the participants, half were given the high-fluoride toothpaste while others received the toothpaste with the regular level of fluoride. The average treatment time was 20 months and all patients had before and after photos taken.
The research found that about 45% of people who used the regular toothpaste showed signs of white spots compared to 34.6% of those who used the high-fluoride toothpaste.
