There are a variety of factors that cause our teeth to change in color over time. What we consume, how we take care of our teeth, and the traumas our teeth face over time can all affect this tooth discoloration that appears. There are also factors out of our control like genetics and aging as well.
Luckily, there are a few ways to get rid of pesky white spots that appear on your teeth.
Why Do I Have White Spots On My Teeth?
White spots on teeth can have various causes. Here are a few possible reasons for the appearance of white spots:
Dental Fluorosis: Fluorosis occurs when excessive fluoride is ingested during tooth development, typically in childhood. It can result in white spots or lines on the teeth. This condition is more common in areas with high levels of fluoride in the water or when excessive fluoride toothpaste is used.
Enamel Hypoplasia: Enamel hypoplasia refers to the incomplete development of tooth enamel. It can be caused by factors like malnutrition, certain medications, high fever, or systemic conditions during tooth formation. The affected areas may appear white or have a rough texture.
Early Tooth Decay: White spots can be an early sign of tooth decay, known as demineralization. These spots indicate areas where minerals have been lost from the tooth enamel, making them appear whiter than the surrounding healthy enamel.
Acidic Diet or Acid Reflux: Acidic foods and drinks or frequent acid reflux can erode the enamel, leading to the formation of white spots on the teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment: Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces, can result in white spots around the brackets. These spots are caused by plaque accumulation and demineralization.
Dental Trauma: Trauma to a developing tooth can cause disruptions in enamel formation, leading to white spots on the affected tooth.
Getting Rid Of The Spots
To get rid of these pesky white spots on your teeth, it’s important to get the opinion of your local dentist to decide what the best course of action might be. Here are just a few options that you could consider:
- Microabrasion: This procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel using an abrasive material combined with a mild acid. It helps to eliminate the superficial white spots and improve the overall appearance of the teeth.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments can help even out the color of the teeth by lighting the surrounding enamel. However, it’s important to note that teeth whitening may not fully address white spots caused by conditions like fluorosis or enamel hypoplasia.
- Dental Bonding: In cases where the white spots are more pronounced, dental bonding may be recommended. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the affected areas, blending them with the natural tooth color and improving the appearance.
- Enamel Microabrasion: Similar to microabrasion, this technique involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel using a mild abrasive and acid. It can be effective in treating deeper white spots.
- Icon Resin Infiltration: This is a minimally invasive treatment option for white spots caused by enamel demineralization. The dentist applies a special resin material that infiltrates and masks the white spots, blending them with the surrounding tooth structure.
- Remineralization: For the early stages of enamel demineralization, your dentist may recommend remineralizing agents such as fluoride varnishes or calcium phosphate pastes to help restore minerals to the affected areas and improve their appearance.
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist who will help get rid of those pesky white spots on your smile, look no further than Chicago Beautiful Smiles for help.
