4 / A G E- S P E C I F I C R I S K S T O K N O W A B O U T
White spots and early decay have different patterns at different ages, largely because the teeth present and the risk behaviours change as children grow. Here ' s what to focus on at each stage.
Baby Teeth( Ages 0 – 6) Baby bottle tooth decay near front gumline Bedtime milk or juice in bottles Sharing spoons and dummies— bacteria transfer from parent to child Lift the lip check weekly from first tooth First dental visit by your child’ s first birthday.
Mixed Teeth( Ages 6 – 12) First adult molars most at risk— deep grooves trap plaque Between-teeth decay from frequent snacking Sports drinks after training Brushing technique often insufficient for back teeth Fissure sealants can protect new molars
Teenagers( Ages 13 – 18) Braces: white spots form around brackets from poor cleaning Energy drinks and diet soda erosion Longer gaps between brushing during school or social activities Hormonal changes affecting gum health Eating disorder warning signs on enamel
The teenage bracket situation deserves special attention. White spot lesions around orthodontic brackets are one of the most disheartening outcomes we see in dentistry such as a child completes 18 months of braces to straighten their teeth, and then the braces come off to reveal permanent white patches around every bracket site.
These are caused by plaque accumulating around the brackets and causing acid attack on the enamel immediately around them. They look like a dotted outline of where the braces used to be, and they are permanent.
Meticulous brushing, including specialised interdental brushes to clean around and under the wire, is genuinely non-negotiable during orthodontic treatment.
M Y K I D S D E N T I S T · T E R M 3 2 0 2 6