Although seeing white spots on teeth is unpleasant for many people, but from a medical point of view, these spots can rarely be a serious cause for concern.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the causes of white spots on the teeth and provide tips to get rid of them.
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Table of Contents
Causes of white spots on teeth
White spots on teeth There are several factors that can cause the formation of white spots on teeth:
Fluorescence
White spots on teeth One of the most common causes is dental fluorosis. People usually develop this problem at a young age when they consume too much fluoride as children. This condition is usually harmless and occurs only before the teeth erupt from the gums.
Tooth enamel hypoplasia
Another reason is tooth enamel hypoplasia. This condition occurs when a person’s tooth enamel does not form properly. Like fluorosis, hypoplasia only occurs in childhood, when a person’s teeth are still developing. However, this problem can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Failure to observe oral hygiene
Another reason that can cause white spots on the teeth is lack of proper oral hygiene, especially during the period when a person uses orthodontic brackets or eats acidic or sugary foods.
Treatment of white spots on teeth
White spots on teeth There are several treatments to remove white spots on teeth. The appropriateness of these treatment methods depends on the cause that caused this condition.
Enamel microabrasion
Some people can do enamel microabrasion to treat white spots on their teeth. During this process, the dentist shaves a very thin layer from the surface of the teeth to reduce the appearance of white spots. Generally, after this specialized treatment, teeth bleaching is done, which can make the teeth have a more uniform color.
Bleaching or teeth whitening
Teeth whitening can help reduce the appearance of white spots and other stains. There are various products used to whiten teeth, including over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips and pastes. People who have white spots on their teeth can visit a dentist for specialized teeth whitening treatment. In these treatments, bleaching solutions are used, which are stronger than OTC drugs and have better performance.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are very thin coverings that are attached to the front surface of the teeth. These coatings can effectively hide white spots and other teeth defects. Dental veneers are a solution that only dentists can apply and require expertise, which makes them more expensive.
Fluoride therapy or topical application of fluoride
The dentist can apply fluoride topically on the tooth enamel of people who suffer from enamel hypoplasia. This can stimulate the growth of tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Composite resin
For people with enamel hypoplasia, the dentist can use composite resin to fill cavities or bond it to the enamel. If the number of white spots on the teeth is high, this treatment may not be suitable for them.
Prevention of white spots on teeth
Oral hygiene can help prevent white spots or other stains on the teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental problems.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. In some people, white spots appear on the teeth before they reach the age of 10 years. This can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage children to follow good dental hygiene and other preventive habits.
You can help prevent white spots on your teeth by following these tips:
Use water without fluoride
For children who are temporarily fed formula, make their formula with fluoride-free water to prevent excessive fluoride accumulation on their teeth.
Using the right amount of toothpaste
People should make sure that children under the age of 3 do not use more than a thin layer, or larger than a grain of rice, of toothpaste on their toothbrush. Children over the age of three should not use more than a pea of toothpaste. Children in this age group often either forget or are unable to spit the toothpaste into their mouths, so less toothpaste can reduce a child’s exposure to fluoride. Parental monitoring of the child’s brushing helps ensure that the child uses the correct amount of toothpaste and does not swallow too much toothpaste.
Using well water for drinking
People whose home water is supplied from well water should take the well water to the laboratory once a year to check its fluoride level. This rule is vital for anyone with small children because natural fluoride levels can vary greatly from place to place.
Reducing the consumption of foods, foods and drinks containing sugar and acid
Tooth enamel can be damaged, and eating certain foods and drinks, especially acidic foods and drinks full of sugar, increases the risk of tooth decay.
Foods, foods and drinks that you should be aware of include:
- Citrus juice and fruits such as grapefruit, lemon and orange.
- Hard candies and other sweets full of sugar.
- Soda and other drinks containing a lot of sugar, including energy drinks.
Although they may be safe to eat occasionally, eating too much of them can lead to tooth decay and white spots. Drinking water after eating these types of foods can help you brush your teeth and reduce the chance of tooth damage. Drinking these drinks with a straw can also help.
Visit the dentist regularly
Anyone who is concerned about the health of their teeth or their child should see a dentist regularly.
Although white spots on the teeth may not be very pleasant, they are usually not a cause for concern. However, people with enamel hypoplasia are more at risk of enamel damage and tooth decay. If you notice a change in the size of the white spots on your teeth, or the onset of toothache, see a dentist. The dentist can give you the best solution by examining the conditions.
