If you look at your smile in the mirror in the morning, do you notice small white spots on your teeth? When you say you want a brighter grin, this probably isn’t what you meant! However, you may be wondering why these patches have popped up. The good news is that they are often harmless, but here are several reasons why they developed and how you can get them fixed.
What Can Cause White Spots on Teeth?
The most common culprits for white spots on teeth include:
- Fluorosis occurs when your smile has been exposed to too much fluoride. It typically transpires in children when their teeth and enamel are still forming, usually happening even before eruption begins.
- Demineralization is when calcium and phosphorus are removed from the structure of a tooth. Bacteria and plaque in your mouth produce an acid that does this, leaving chalky white spots. Over time, these can turn into cavities.
- Enamel hypoplasia can also only occur during childhood, as it’s when a person’s enamel doesn’t form properly. A patient with this may also have thin or weak areas on the surface of their grin.
- Your diet and lifestyle factors can also come into play. Acidic foods, eating sugary sweets, and poor oral hygiene can cause white spots. Even braces can contribute to them if you aren’t diligent with your dental habits.
How Can White Spots on Teeth Be Treated?
With many reasons that can cause these patches on your smile, you may wonder what you can do about them. Depending on what the culprit is for you, your dentist can offer a couple of different treatments.
If it’s mild, then you may get a professional whitening service to even out the discoloration and help it blend in. More severe cases can be fixed with direct bonding or veneers, as they can cover the spots. Microabrasion may also be considered. This is removing a small amount of your enamel to reduce the appearance of this flaw.
In the end, white areas on your teeth can make you self-conscious. You deserve to have a brighter grin, but maybe not like this! By talking to your dentist, you can find out what’s causing them and get the effective treatment you deserve. That way, you can go back to having a confident smile that helps you feel your best once again.
About the Author
Dr. James Nelson earned his dental degree from the LSU School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Metairie community with their oral healthcare. While white spots may leave you worried, Dr. Nelson is happy to help you get rid of them with services tailored to you, like professional whitening. If you have this flaw in your grin, schedule an appointment or call his office at (504) 887-3311.