Dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, poor dental care, and consuming an excessive amount of acidic or sugary foods are all possible reasons of white patches on teeth, according to the American Dental Association.
Even though white spots on the teeth are considered unattractive by most people, they are rarely a major reason for worry from a clinical perspective.
White spots on teeth may be caused by a variety of factors, and this article explores the causes and offers methods for treating and avoiding them.
Causes
There are a variety of factors that could be causing white spots on the teeth.
Dental fluorosis is a prevalent cause of tooth decay.
People typically get this condition while they are young as a result of consuming excessive fluoride as a child. Most of the time, it is a very harmless condition that only develops just prior to the teeth breaking through the gums.
Another typical reason is enamel hypoplasia.
This problem arises when the enamel of a person’s teeth does not form in the normal manner. Such as fluorosis, hypoplasia just tends to occur during childhood when a person’s teeth are still developing. Nevertheless, it has been shown to increase the likelihood of tooth decay.
Other factors that contribute to white spots on the teeth include poor dental cleanliness, particularly when someone is wearing braces, and consuming an excessive amount of acidic or sugary meals.
Treatments
There are a variety of treatment options available for white spots on the teeth. The applicability of these therapies may be determined by the underlying cause of the white spots as well as the state of a person’s teeth.
There are a variety of treatment options available for white spots on the teeth. The applicability of these therapies may be determined by the underlying cause of the white spots as well as the state of a person’s teeth.
- Enamel microabrasion
White spots can sometimes be treated by microabrasion, which is a procedure that certain people can undergo. During this process, a dentist removes a small portion of enamel from the teeth in order to lessen the appearance of white spots on the tooth enamel.
This professional therapy is often followed by teeth bleaching, which can make the teeth appear more uniform in color.
- Teeth whitening or bleaching
Teeth whitening, also known as bleaching, can help to minimize the appearance of white spots and other stains on the teeth. There are several different types of teeth whitening solutions available over the counter, including strips and paste (OTC)
People who have white spots on their teeth can also seek professional whitening treatments from their dentist. As a rule, these treatments make use of stronger bleaching solutions than those available over-the-counter, which may help them function more effectively.
- Dental veneer
Essentially, dental veneers are thin, protective covers that are applied to the front surfaces of a person’s teeth. They have the ability to successfully conceal white spots and other blemishes.
The only place to get dental veneers is from a dentist, and they have to be professionally fitted. As a result, they can be quite expensive.
- Topical fluoride
People suffering from enamel hypoplasia may benefit from topical fluoride application by a dentist. This may aid in the growth of enamel on the teeth, hence reducing the likelihood of tooth decay.
- Composite resin.
People who have enamel hypoplasia may be treated using composite resin, which can be used to fill cavities and bond the outer enamel of their teeth together. If a person has a big number of white spots on their teeth, this may not be the best option for them.
Prevention
Maintaining good dental hygiene will help you avoid developing white spots on your teeth, as well as other stains and concerns including tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Individuals should brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss between their teeth once daily, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
The majority of people experience the development of white spots on their teeth before the age of ten. Some individuals may experience a different response.
As a result, it is critical for parents to encourage their children to practice proper dental hygiene and other preventative habits in their household. This can assist them in maintaining the health and strength of their teeth.
Preventing white spots from growing on children’s teeth can be accomplished by following the guidelines listed below:
- Using fluoride-free water
Infant formula is the primary source of nutrition for most babies. Making up their formula milk with fluoride-free water may help prevent an excessive buildup of fluoride in their teeth as they grow older.
- Making use of the proper amount of toothpaste
People should make sure that they are not using more than a smear of toothpaste, or an amount the size of a grain of rice, on their toothbrush when brushing their teeth for children under the age of three years old.
When caring for children above the age of three, caregivers should make certain that they are not using more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Due to the fact that young children frequently do not spit out toothpaste, using a minimal amount can help limit their overall fluoride exposure. In order to ensure that children are using an appropriate amount of toothpaste and are not ingesting too much, it is important to supervise their brushing.
- Conducting a well water test
If people have their homes connected to private wells, they should think about getting their water tested for fluoride levels on a yearly basis, according to the CDC. Due to the fact that natural fluoride levels can vary substantially from one location to another, this policy is essential for anyone with small children.
- Following fluoride supplement recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dietary fluoride supplements for children aged 6 months to 16 years who live in places where fluoridated water is not available and who are at high risk of developing tooth decay. These supplements should only be used if they have been prescribed by a doctor or dentist for the individual in question.
- Reducing sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Some meals and beverages, particularly those heavy in sugars or acids, can cause tooth enamel to be destroyed, increasing the risk of dental decay in the process.
The following are examples of foods and beverages to be cautious of:
- citrus juices and fruits, such as grapefruit, lemons, and oranges
- hard candies and other sugary sweets
- sodas and other drinks high in sugars, including sports drinks
While eating or drinking these foods and beverages on a regular basis may be harmless, eating or drinking too much of them or too many of them might cause damage and blemishes, including white spots.
Drinking water after consuming these meals can assist in flushing them from the mouth and reducing the likelihood of tooth damage. Using a straw to drink may also be beneficial.
- Seeing a dentist
Anyone who is concerned about their dental health, or the dental health of their child, should consult with a dental professional.
Despite the fact that white spots on the teeth are less than desirable, they are rarely a reason for alarm. People who have enamel hypoplasia, on the other hand, may be at increased risk of dental damage and decay.
Someone should visit their dentist if they notice that the size or number of white spots on their teeth is increasing or decreasing, or if they notice that they are experiencing dental pain.
A dentist can assess the severity of the symptoms and the condition of the teeth, and if treatment is indicated, he or she will make recommendations.
Conclusion
The presence of white spots on one’s teeth is rarely a cause for alarm, and they can be addressed only for cosmetic reasons if one so chooses.
When it comes to making the teeth appear more uniform in color, a dentist can propose procedures such as professional whitening or the application of veneers.
Anyone who is concerned about white spots on their teeth should schedule an appointment with their dentist to have them examined.
