Your smile is one of your greatest assets. It not only represents your oral hygiene but also enhances your beauty. That is why people go to great lengths to maintain their perfect smile. The appearance of white spots on Teeth or discoloration on your teeth not only looks unappealing but can also cause teeth sensitivity in some cases.
What Causes White Spots to Appear on Teeth?
The white discoloration of the teeth can occur due to manly reasons:
- Effect of Diet on Enamel Erosion:
Regular consumption of acidic foods can lead to enamel erosion and white spots on teeth.
Your teeth enamel is largely made up of inorganic minerals calcium and phosphorus. Incorporating acidic foods such as carbonated drinks can strip these important minerals from your teeth through a process called decalcification or demineralization. This causes white spots to occur in places where the tooth enamel erodes.
Enamel erosion
Having a high sugar diet also causes enamel erosion. Foods high in sugar content cause the accumulation of acidic bacteria on the teeth in the form of acidic plaque, which in turn causes the decalcification of the teeth.
Having a low dietary intake of calcium is another reason for the formation of white spots on your teeth. As calcium is the primary component of the tooth enamel, adequate levels of the mineral are required for the development and maintenance of teeth by the body.
- Decalcification Due to Plaque:
Having poor oral hygiene can cause the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Your mouth is an ideal location for bacteria to thrive and multiply. Not brushing your teeth properly or not flossing regularly leads to plaque accumulation and consequently, decalcification of the teeth enamel.
Wearing braces can also cause the formation of white spots on teeth. Cleaning plaque around the braces can be a difficult and tedious task. The inability to effectively remove this built-up plaque can lead to demineralization of the teeth and the appearance of white spots.
- Dental Fluorosis:
Fluoride, known for strengthening teeth and preventing decay, however, too much of the mineral can be bad for your teeth. Consumption of excessive fluoride can cause fluorosis, a condition characterized by the formation of white spots on teeth.
Dental fluorosis can occur when children are exposed to an excess of fluoride while their teeth are still developing (between the ages of 1-8). This can happen when children swallow toothpaste, are on certain medications, or if their drinking water has a high percentage of fluoride.
Other White Spots Causes
- Enamel Hypoplasia:
It is a condition in which the enamel of the teeth becomes thin and more prone to decay. The teeth become weak and white spots begin to appear on them. Much like fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia develops during childhood.
Common causes of the condition include malnutrition, certain medications, celiac disease, and premature birth. If the mother smokes while being pregnant, the child might develop enamel hypoplasia.
- Xerostomia (Dry Mouth):
Saliva is an important component in preventing demineralization. It is responsible for neutralizing acids that erode the tooth enamel. People who experience xerostomia have a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. The absence of adequate saliva can cause demineralization of the teeth.
Sleeping with your mouth open can also dry up the mouth and cause the appearance of temporary white spots on teeth. These spots usually disappear when they come in contact with saliva.
Treatment Options for White Spots on Teeth
Usually, the formation of white spots causes no harm to the teeth themselves, however, in some cases, they might weaken the teeth and them prone to decay.
Treatment options depend on the underlying condition causing the white spots to appear.
- Teeth Bleaching:
Bleaching or whitening of the teeth can help mask white spots and discoloration of the teeth. The simple process can be carried out at home by yourself using teeth whitening strips and pastes. For best results, book an appointment with your dentist and get your teeth whitened professionally.
Bleaching of the teeth not recommended for people with dental fluorosis. The process bleaches the discoloration along with the rest of the teeth, making it more prominent than before.
- Microabrasion:
During this process, your dentist will carefully remove a thin layer of your teeth enamel. This will help your teeth look more even in color by eliminating the white spots on them.
Microabrasion is usually followed by teeth whitening or bleaching to give them a more aesthetically pleasing and even look.
Other Treatment Options
- Topical Fluoride:
This treatment often employed for people with enamel hypoplasia. The application of topical fluoride may promote enamel development and make the teeth stronger.
- Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin porcelain coverings that shield the tooth surface. Your dentist might suggest covering your white spots using porcelain veneers.
The veneers specifically made according to your tooth shape and color. The protective coverings then attached to the front surface of your teeth.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than treatment. In order to prevent the formation of white spots on your teeth, practice good oral hygiene. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss.
Avoid drinking water with a high fluoride percentage as this can lead to fluorosis in children.
Young children often fail to spit properly while rinsing their mouth after brushing. This causes them to swallow some of the toothpaste, and risk the development of dental fluorosis. Use a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste to brush your and your children’s teeth. This will reduce the chances of swallowing toothpaste.
Eat a balanced diet to get your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium. Avoid frequently eating acidic and sugary foods as this can damage your teeth enamel.
Schedule regular visits to your dentist to ensure that your oral hygiene is well maintained.