Looking in the mirror and seeing white spots on teeth can be jarring. Not only can it impact your appearance and lead you to become self-conscious, but it might also be a potential health concern. So why do you have white spots on your teeth?
This post will explain why they happen and what you can do to eliminate them.
Why Do I Have White Spots On My Teeth?
Having white spots on your teeth can make your teeth look uneven, discolored, or inconsistent. And because one of the first things people notice about you is your smile, you might want to know exactly what’s going on. Well, these spots or patches can occur for several reasons.
The first thing you might want to consider is your diet. Those white spots or patches can be the effect of a diet that’s high in sugar and acidic foods. This is because they promote the erosion of enamel, which is the translucent outer layer of your teeth. This may also be accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Another thing to consider is dental fluorosis, which is caused by the teeth being exposed to high fluoride levels. While fluoride is great at strengthening tooth enamel and protecting against cavities, too much fluoride can cause problems. These show up prominently as white spots on the teeth, discoloration, and tooth decay. You can try checking the water you drink for high fluoride levels, as this may be the problem.
Lastly, have a close look at your oral hygiene. Those white spots might be bacterial plaque deposits, which means you’re not brushing or flossing properly, especially if you wear braces.
Plaque is a thin, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that deposits on the teeth. Brushing and flossing properly get rid of this film and prevent it from building up.
But if you neglect your oral hygiene, plaque can “eat away” at the enamel, causing discoloration.
How Can I Fix White Spots On My Teeth?
If your white spots are bothering you, several treatment options are available to get rid of them.
Some of these include:
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- Veneers.
Dental veneers are a great way to conceal imperfections on your front teeth. A razor-thin shell is attached to the front of the tooth, giving you a bright, white, even smile.
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- Tooth scaling or microabrasion.
This involves using a delicate abrasive tool to shave away a thin layer of enamel from the surface of your teeth. You might even have this done during a routine deep cleaning at the dentist’s office.
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- Tooth whitening.
A dentist carefully whitens your teeth using a bleaching chemical, giving them a uniform, evenly white appearance. This doesn’t work, however, if you have white spots due to fluorosis.
Conclusion: Preventing White Spots On Teeth
It’s important to know how to prevent white spots on your teeth so you can avoid any future dental complications. And of course, the best way to do this is to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day for a full two minutes. In addition, floss regularly and use mouthwash. Minimize your intake of sugary and acidic foods, and have your tap water tested for high fluoride levels to be sure.
Lonestar Dental Center is your complete oral healthcare destination for dental procedures like removing white spots from teeth. We provide excellent service from the very beginning of your time with us in Humble, TX. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (281) 233-0333.