The Effect of Different Remineralizing Agents on White Spot Lesions and Dental Plaque During Orthodontic Retention

Dental caries is a decay process that breaks down the tooth. The earliest clinical signs of active dental caries is seen as 'white spot lesions' (WSLs). WSLs causes porosity below the tooth surface as a result of demineralization that gives the lesion a milky white appearance. Many WSLs persevere even a decade after orthodontic appliance removal and remain a cosmetic problem. After removal of fixed appliances, a considerable improvement of WSLs can be seen during the first 6-24 months, but the degree of improvement varies between individuals. Two common bacteria in dental plaque causes caries: Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) in the plaque contributes to the initiation and progression of caries, respectively. A major strategy suggested to deal with existing WSL after debond is to facilitate remineralisation using remineralising agents that contain fluoride. This can be from daily use of fluoridated toothpastes or having additional dose of fluoride application. Certain agents also contain casein phosphopeptide-stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) that is believed to have an antibacterial and buffering effect on plaque and interfere the growth and adherence of bacteria.