Have you recently noticed strange white spots on your teeth? These white spots are teeth discoloration and are caused because of various factors. Some of the common causes of white spot emergence on the teeth are infections, illnesses, vitamin deficiencies, traumatic incidents, or excess fluoride. This blog piece has detailed every aspect of the white stains on teeth, the causes, and care tips.
Reasons Why White Spot on Teeth Emerges?
White marks on teeth are usually not something to be worried about. However, the affected people always look for treatment options since it reduces the smile quality.
Dental fluorosis
It is a condition that changes the way the enamel looks and usually appears amongst people who consume an excess amount of fluoride daily during their childhood. Dental fluorosis is harmless and does not need medical intervention.
Decalcification or Demineralization
Both the terms mean the same thing. When you suffer from decalcification or demineralization, white spots appear on the teeth because of bacterial manifestation in the oral cavity. They attack the enamel – the outermost protective covering of the teeth, and as a result, it weakens and breaks down.
Turner’s Tooth / Enamel Hypoplasia
Turner’s tooth is a condition where there is no enamel available. Usually, in some cases, the defect is only seen in some parts of the tooth, not all forming pits or dents on the enamel bed. Here are a few factors that cause white spotting on the teeth in this particular disorder.
- Lack of nutrition
- Illnesses such as high fever
- Premature birth
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Medicinal side effect
- Trauma
The white spots might progress into tooth decay. Therefore, we advise for a dental checkup as soon as you find them.
How to Get Rid Of White Spots on Teeth – 13 Tips
White spots on teeth are more than just a cosmetic defect; that is why taking care of this issue is important. Follow these treatment and preventive tips for your ease below:
Microabrasion of the Enamel
The dentist removes the layer – enamel, in the form of small pieces for reducing the density of white spots on that tooth. This method involved using acidic abrasive material in the form of a gel for tooth stain removal.
After Microabrasion, home application of remineralization cream is recommended for nourishment.
Bleaching
Bleaching is a common whitening procedure that a dentist performs for balancing the teeth’ color. This process helps make the teeth’ color uniform and there is no spotting discoloration on the tooth. It is an effective treatment for people who have marks because of fluoride overuse.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin tooth colored protective covering that is placed on the teeth. They conceal white spots, discolorations, and other issues with the teeth pretty easily. Veneers are not available OTC and are prescribed and placed via a dentist only.
Fluoride – Topical
It is a suitable treatment option for people who suffer from Turner’s tooth or enamel hypoplasia. Fluoride increases the growth of minerals for aiding in the restoration of the protective outer covering – enamel.
Chin Straps
This may come as a shock, but children who sleep with their mouth open often have temporary white spots on their teeth which go away as time passes. So children or even adults with this issue should use chin straps for keeping their mouths closed at night.
Use of Nasal Decongestants
Many children or adults have blocked noses, and because of that reason, they keep their mouths open while sleeping at night. Nasal decongestants break down the mucus, allowing air flow to keep the mouth close.
Composite Resin
Enamel hypoplasia patients can make the most use of this technique. The dents or pit with white teeth patches are filled in with composite resin and best suited for individuals with multiple white spots on their teeth.
Fluoride less Water
Use fluoride less water for babies so that there is no excess consumption leading to fluorosis.
Use Adequate Amount of Tooth Paste
For children under 3 years of age should not use more than a thin layer of toothpaste or more like a grain of rice on the brush. As for children over 3, the daily recommendation is pea-sized toothpaste.
Testing water
Water testing for fluoride levels is important, especially if the source is a natural water well.
Reduction in Sugar and Acid Containing Food
Tooth enamel is at the risk of decay because of constant sugar and acidic food and beverages such as
- Citrus fruits – grapes, oranges, lemon
- Candies or sweets made up of sugar
- Sport or fizzy drinks
Intake of Fluoride supplementation
American Dental Association or ADA recommends fluoride supplements in the diet for children between 6 months to 16 years at risk of tooth decay. However, you shall only use this upon the dentist’s recommendation.
Dental Assistance
Usually, white spots on the teeth are not that big of an issue and are merely a cosmetic query. However, some might feel unconfident because of this, so you should talk to your dentist and find a solution for it.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, there is nothing to worry about the white spots. However, if you have other symptoms and want an opinion, then visit Nimmi Shine Dental and talk to our team. Call (858 999 8550) San Diego or 951 695 1027 Temecula for an appointment.