White teeth can be a sign of excellent oral health, and some people do everything they can to make their smile as white as possible. This includes daily brushing, regular cleanings, and the use of whitening products. But sometimes, white spots appear on the teeth.
This white shade differs from the rest of your teeth, which can be bothersome for aesthetic reasons. White spots on teeth can also be a sign of decay, so it’s important to identify the cause.
Causes of White Spots on Teeth
White spots usually develop on teeth for several reasons. Your dentist can explain the specific cause and then determine the best treatment approach for your condition.
Common causes include:
Diet
If you eat too many acidic foods, white spots may appear on your teeth. This is because highly acidic foods erode your tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks include carbonated beverages and certain fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. The outer layer of enamel normally protects your teeth from damage.
A diet high in sugar can also create acidic buildup that erodes the enamel.
Acid reflux (GERD) is another trigger since it produces acid in the stomach, throat, and mouth. As the enamel breaks down, you may experience other symptoms such as sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Fluorosis
Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents decay, but too much fluoride during tooth development can have the opposite effect, causing discoloration and enamel damage. This can occur when children consume too many fluoridated drinks or swallow fluoride toothpaste.
Enamel Hypoplasia
This condition means there is less enamel than normal. Enamel hypoplasia can result from a nutritional deficiency that causes mineral loss in the tooth. Conditions such as celiac disease can contribute to this, as the body struggles to absorb nutrients due to a weakened immune system.
Taking antibiotics can also interfere with nutrient absorption.
Additionally, smoking during pregnancy can cause this condition in children. Other symptoms of enamel hypoplasia include grooves or lines on the teeth and tooth sensitivity.
Plaque Buildup
White spots on teeth can also form due to plaque buildup caused by bacteria. This results from poor oral hygiene, such as irregular brushing or flossing. It can also occur as a side effect of wearing braces.
Sleeping with an Open Mouth
You may notice white spots on your teeth when you wake up in the morning, which disappear after a few hours. This is often caused by sleeping with your mouth open throughout the night. These white spots appear due to dehydration of the enamel surface. Once saliva returns to the teeth, they rehydrate, and the white spots disappear.
A cold or nasal congestion can increase the likelihood of sleeping with your mouth open.
Treatment for White Spots on Teeth
White spots on teeth can be bothersome to some people, but there are several treatment options to help remove them.
Microabrasion
This procedure removes a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface using mild abrasion. It can eliminate white spots and improve the appearance of the teeth.
Whitening
Teeth whitening is a bleaching procedure performed under professional supervision. This treatment helps even out the color of the enamel. It effectively lightens the entire tooth so that it matches the shade of the white spots.
However, whitening is not effective for people whose white spots are caused by excessive fluoride exposure. In such cases, whitening can further lighten the white spots, resulting in a different shade of white.
How to Prevent White Spots on Children’s Teeth
To prevent excessive fluoride exposure in young children, supervise them while they brush their teeth. They should not use too much toothpaste — apply only a pea-sized amount.
Also, teach children not to swallow toothpaste while brushing. Monitor how much fluoride your child consumes and, if necessary, reduce the number of daily drinks that contain it. Fluoride can be found in fruit juices, bottled water, and soft drinks.
At Polyclinic Medikadent, we successfully remove white spots from your teeth.
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