Even if you take exceptional care of your teeth by brushing them twice daily, flossing, and having regular dental examinations, white spots on your teeth may form. White spots can form for various reasons, including an acidic/sugary diet, poor dental hygiene, tooth trauma, and some drugs. Understanding the reason for your white spots is critical for administering the right therapy and preventing larger oral health issues, such as decay and tooth loss, from occurring in the future. For more information and questions about Winnipeg dental crowns, speak to an expert today.
What are white spots on teeth?
White spots on teeth, often known as white spot lesions, are commonly associated with tooth decay. When your teeth’s enamel begins to deteriorate, it can cause small holes or pits in your teeth. These pits subsequently become clogged with bacteria and plaque, turning them white.
There are several methods for treating white spots on your teeth. If the spots are small and shallow, you may be able to cure them yourself with whitening toothpaste. If the spots are larger or deeper, you should seek expert treatment from a dentist.
Causes
White spot lesions are caused by more than just tooth decay. A variety of factors can cause white spots on teeth. Colgate describes the top three:
- Fluorosis
Fluorosis is induced by consuming high amounts of fluoride. While fluoride has many advantages, too much can cause teeth discoloration that appears chalky white, brown, or yellow. This can occur due to ingesting toothpaste, drinking excessively fluoridated water, or taking fluoride supplements.
- Enamel hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a tooth abnormality in which the enamel is thinner than normal, according to the Indian Journal of Dentistry. It is caused by inherited causes, nutritional inadequacies, drugs given to a mother before giving birth, tooth trauma, and premature deliveries.
- Demineralization
Demineralization causes white regions of decalcification of the enamel on teeth due to bacterial plaque accumulation. This is evident in persons who wear braces and is caused by poor oral hygiene. The white patches are early cavities that, if treated promptly, can be reversed.
Treating white spots in teeth
The best technique to treat white spots on teeth is to prevent them in the first place. This can be accomplished by maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks should also be avoided because they can cause tooth decay.
