[Risk management and clinical strategies for early enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients]

Early enamel demineralization, one of the common side effects of orthodontic treatment, occurs when dental plaque accumulation disrupts the balances of demineralization-remineralization and the oral microbial ecology. Clinically, the existence of orthodontic appliances can make oral hygiene more challenging. At the same time, patient adherence to oral hygiene appointments may be inconsistent. The combination of these factors often leads to inadequate plaque control and increases the risk of enamel demineralization. Presently, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for the clinical intervention and management for early enamel demineralization. Moreover, the associated risk assessment and prevention systems require further improvement. This article provides a review of the etiology, risk factors, and preventive and treatment strategies for managing early enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients. The aim is to provide references for clinicians to promote the early detection, early intervention, and standardized management of early enamel demineralization, thereby effectively controlling the incidence and progression of these lesions during orthodontic treatment.