14 Jul What Causes White Spots on Teeth (And How to Get Rid of Them)
Having white spots on your teeth can make your smile stand out in the wrong way. This form of discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons, but it typically indicates tooth decay. If you notice white spots on your teeth, it’s important to consult your dentist so they can treat the problem.
In the meantime, there are several ways you can get rid of the white spots on your teeth at home. Let’s explore what causes those white spots in the first place, and how you can brighten your smile.
Four Causes of White Spots on Teeth
1: Enamel Erosion
One common reason for white spots on teeth is your diet. Eating too many acidic and sugary foods can wear down your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to white spots. It’s important to limit or avoid citrus fruits, soda, sports drinks, coffee, and wine to protect your teeth from enamel erosion. Drinking through a straw and drinking water after meals can also help protect your enamel.
2: Poor Oral Hygiene
If you skip brushing and flossing, it allows plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. Plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria that feed on starch and sugar to produce acids that eat away at your enamel. Not only can plaque and tartar cause white spots on your teeth, they also increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. To protect your teeth, make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily.
3: Fluorosis
Although fluoride can naturally strengthen your tooth enamel, ingesting too much can result in a condition called fluorosis, which causes white spots on teeth. Fluorosis mainly occurs in young children who tend to swallow their toothpaste, so it’s important to teach kids how to spit out all their toothpaste after brushing.
If you have any concerns about using dental products that contain fluoride, there are plenty of natural alternatives to choose from. Look for a toothpaste that contains calcium or xylitol to help build strong teeth. You can also use mineral creams and rinses, oral powders, coconut oil, and ozone therapy to improve your oral health.
4: Enamel Hypoplasia
White spots on teeth can also happen because of a defect called enamel hypoplasia. Defective enamel formation can result in enamel that is hard but thin and weak. This defect tends to appear during childhood, while the permanent teeth are still developing. Enamel hypoplasia increases the risk of tooth decay due to poor enamel formation.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Your Teeth
The appearance of white spots is often a sign of tooth decay, especially in adults. So although there are several cosmetic treatments that will get rid of white spots, you might also need fillings, crowns, or a root canal to treat the underlying problem.
1: Teeth Whitening
Brightening your smile with whitening treatments can help make white spots less obvious. And while at-home whitening products can help with minor staining and discoloration, professional in-office treatments are the most effective option for dealing with white spots.
2: Veneers
Dental veneers are tooth-shaped shells that are cemented to the front of the tooth. They can cover minor imperfections, such as minor chips and cracks, white spots, stains, and other discolorations.
3: Enamel Microabrasion
This professional dental treatment involves removing a thin layer of the tooth enamel. Enamel microabrasion can help reduce minor white spots that only appear on the surface of your teeth.
Holistic Dentist in Prescott, Arizona
If you’re embarrassed by the white spots on your teeth, you should consult the team at Prescott Dentistry. We can determine the cause of your white spots and recommend the best way to get rid of them. From teeth whitening and veneers to fillings and crowns, we offer many services that will restore your smile’s brilliance. Give us a call at 928-445-1660 today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/14/2023). Photo by Skinny Tie Media on Pexels