It’s safe to say that most of us would enjoy having whiter teeth. But white spots on teeth are not so desirable. These discolored areas on the enamel of the tooth surface can be embarrassing and detract from the appearance of your smile. If you have white spots on your teeth, there are several possible causes, including the following:
- Bacteria – White spots may indicate the presence of bacterial acid, usually a sign that enamel is dissolving and tooth decay is about to form.
- Fluorosis – If teeth are exposed to a large amount of fluoride when they are still developing, white spots can appear on the surface. This is especially common in children who might be drinking fluoridated water and using other forms of fluoride as well – such as fluoride toothpaste, for example.
- Enamel hypoplasia – In areas of the tooth surface where enamel hypoplasia is present, white spots can form. This condition might be brought on by a number of things, such as high fever, nutritional deficiency, or side effects of certain medications.
- Enamel demineralization – Demineralization of enamel occurs when plaque accumulates on teeth and is left untreated. This is usually due to poor oral hygiene and can be common for people wearing traditional braces, for whom brushing thoroughly is difficult.
Treatments
Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which dentists can remove white spots from the surface of teeth. Which treatment is best for you will be determined by the cause of the problem and what your dentist believes to be the most effective treatment. What follows are some ways in which white spots can be removed:
- Teeth whitening – Bleaching the surface of the teeth can help to even out the overall shade of the enamel. The most effective whitening products are those provided by your dentist, but there are over-the-counter products available as well.
- Microabrasion – Your dentist may recommend microabrasion, which involves removing a very thin layer of enamel from the teeth.
- Porcelain veneers – Veneers can be an excellent way to drastically improve the appearance of your smile. A very thin layer of porcelain is placed over the surface of the tooth and bonded in place.
Not only does this method cover existing white spots, it also provides a protective covering for enamel and helps to prevent future staining.
If you notice white spots on your teeth, contact your dentist to determine what might be causing them to appear. The good news is that white spots can usually be removed using one of the procedures listed above.
