Have you ever wondered, “Why do I have white spots on my teeth?” you’re not alone! White spots can appear on your teeth even if you take good care of them by brushing and flossing twice a day. While these white spots may seem harmless, they can be a sign of underlying issues. This article will walk you through the causes of white spots on teeth and their treatment.
What Are The Causes of White Spots on Teeth?
White spots on teeth can be because of the following reasons:
Demineralization
Demineralization is caused by long-term bacterial accumulation in the mouth and the ensuing mineral loss of the tooth. It causes white patches of decalcified enamel on teeth. Consequently, demineralization-related white patches might be a sign of dental decay.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a disorder characterized by a defect in the thickness and quality of enamel. It can be caused by a high fever from sickness, premature delivery, smoking during pregnancy, and malnutrition.
Fluorosis
According to Healthline, fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and keeps them from decaying, but too much of it can cause decay and discoloration in teeth that are still growing. Children who swallow fluoride toothpaste or drink excessive amounts of fluoridated liquids may experience this.
Treatments for White Spots on Teeth
Here are a few treatment options for white spots on teeth:
- Enamel Microabrasion: This procedure involves using tools to mechanically remove white spots from teeth. Since only a small portion of the enamel is taken from the surface of your teeth, it has a very mild effect on the enamel. The outcome is just as good as teeth whitening.
- Teeth whitening: In the teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will use bleach to reduce the appearance of white spots on your teeth. You may find over-the-counter teeth whitening options beneficial, but it is advised to get it done by a professional.
- Dental Veneers: These are dental coatings that are used to hide white spots, primarily when there are no other effective ways to get rid of the discoloration.
How to Prevent White Spots on Teeth?
The first step in preventing white spots on teeth is to maintain proper dental hygiene. You can follow the given tips to keep your oral health in the best shape:
- It is important to help children, especially those under six years old, clean their teeth so they use the proper quantity of toothpaste, which is pea-sized, and don’t swallow it.
- Cut back on acidic and sugary meals and beverages, such as soda, candies, citrus fruits and juices, and other soft drinks.
- If your house is linked to private wells, you should think about having an annual fluoride test done on your water. Due to regional variations in natural fluoride levels, this insurance is essential for people with small children.
Final Say!
Why do I have white spots on my teeth? It is usually because of enamel hypoplasia or demineralization. If you notice any white spots on your teeth, you should immediately consult our expert dentist, Dr. Fahd Yousaf, DDS, from Howard University, at Precision Smile Dentistry.
Dial (540) 300-2255 for Stafford and (202) 552-0077 for Washington to book your appointment for consultation.