White Spots on Teeth: Everything You Need to Know

Everyone desires a pearly white set of teeth and naturally, we all try our best to attain perfect oral health, but what happens when one morning you wake up and all of a sudden your teeth are stained with white spots that won’t come off no matter how…

Everyone desires a pearly white set of teeth and naturally, we all try our best to attain perfect oral health, but what happens when one morning you wake up and all of a sudden your teeth are stained with white spots that won’t come off no matter how hard you try to brush them off.

White spots are opaque milky patches that occur irregularly on the teeth but are conspicuous enough to disrupt your physical appeal whenever you smile. White spots are also an indication of a greater dental problem. Do not rush to speed dial your dentist just yet, we will help you understand white spots and the best way to handle them.

White Spots on Teeth: Everything You Need to Know

What are white spots on teeth and what do they mean?

White spots on your teeth should not be a cause for alarm as it is a dental condition that is relatively easy to manage. The spots can be an indication of excessive bacterial acids which cause the inconsistency in the dental formula as the acids dissolve to the enamel. This eventually leads to tooth decay. Such spots may arise at different intervals for different patients, some from childhood while for others in their adulthood.

For patients who have had this dental condition from childhood, it is usually a result of excess mineralization from their water supply. This is a common occurrence for individuals who grow up depending on a well water supply or had over 2 milligrams of fluoride in every liter of water that they consumed at an early age.

For individuals developing white spots on their teeth in their adulthood, the most likely cause is plaque build-up in medical terms referred to as decalcification. This means that the spots could be the first symptom of a larger dental complication and could result in decay or cavities. Many people, however, assume that the white spots are caused by a tooth whitening procedure gone wrong which is completely misguided as we will review in this account.

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How to prevent white spots on teeth

Annual checkups go a long way to keep your oral health in check and capture any dental complications as they start. A dentist’s perspective is vital in preventing issues such as tooth discoloration among many others. For instance, during pregnancy, it is advisable to get professional advice on fluoride intake as well as the consumption of other medicines that would disrupt the proper development of your child’s teeth.

Smoking also causes teeth spotting so it is probably in your best interest to work on the quitting process. Other substances to stay clear of are sugary and acidic foodstuffs.

What causes white spots on children’s teeth?

Fluorosis is a dental condition that is caused by excess intake of fluoride. Other than toothpaste, fluoride is present in many modern beverages which is the most prevalent cause of tooth discoloration and decay among children. Young ones below 6 years are also prone to this condition, therefore, they should use very little amounts of fluoride in their routine oral hygiene practices. White spots in children can be caused by a ton of factors. Do not forget that fluoride is present even in bottled and tap water.

Diet is a major source of white spots for a growing child. Too much acidic food weakens the enamel which is the outermost protective layer for your dental formula. Without regulating sugar intake for your child it is only a matter of time before they accumulate acidic plaque that will result in tooth discoloration.

Other causes of white spots among children include enamel hypoplasia which is a dental condition where patients have lesser enamel to protect their teeth. This is usually from the loss of vital minerals within teeth. Children who sleep with their mouth open are prone to this condition too as their mouth is dehydrated for the better part of the night. When the enamel is this dry and saliva touches it every morning when the kid wakes up, white spots will gradually form over time.

What causes white spots on children’s teeth?

How to get rid of white spots on teeth?

Fix your teeth today from white spots with fast and reliable solutions from Image Dental. Our dental experts are specialists at making any traces of discoloration on your teeth go away. We have very practical approaches to fix your smile depending on the severity.

We conduct precise microabrasion procedures that gently get rid of a thin outer layer of the enamel together with all its inconsistencies. This does not weaken the teeth and for clients seeking the best outcomes, they combine the procedure with teeth whitening solutions. Another preferred solution is teeth bleaching which is quite effective in restoring pearly whites.

It is advisable to consult with your dentist to find out if you qualify for noninvasive dental procedures to fix white spots. Other than microabrasion and bleaching dental veneers and composite resin work perfectly for most patients.

How to get rid of white spots on teeth from braces?

For those who have experienced braces, getting them off leaves you with an incredible sense of relief. It is, however, disappointing to find out that after realigning your dental formula the braces left behind leave traces of white marks that can be seen whenever you smile. The final step to teeth realignment with braces is getting rid of the white spots for a picture-perfect smile.

After orthodontic braces, teeth lack essential minerals hence the visible discoloration. Essential minerals such as fluoride in the right amounts will help clear the spots. The dentist will recommend all the essential minerals to help the depleted enamel rebid itself in no time. In the modern-day, there are specialized remineralizing toothpaste and other oral healthcare products recommended by Image Dental.

Conclusion

By mastering oral hygiene practices and preventive measures, you can always stay steps ahead of any dental issues including teeth spotting, gum disease, and even cavities. We are the leading dental facility in the region when it comes to actualizing desirable dental outcomes suited to modern living.

Stephen Nozaki, DDS, MPH, DIDIA

Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.