Have you ever noticed white spots on teeth, your own or on other people’s teeth? The good news is that white spots are usually not serious medical concerns but it helps to understand the causes and what treatments are available.
What Causes White Spots on Teeth?
According to Medical News Today various things can cause the white spots:
- Too much fluoride.Called dental fluorosis, this condition happens to children who consume too much fluoride and usually develops before their teeth break through their gums.
- Hypoplasia is a result of tooth enamel not forming properly and is also a childhood condition that occurs while teeth are in the process of developing. Unfortunately, it can make children more prone to tooth decay.
- Poor dental hygiene.When a person wears braces and it makes brushing difficult or when someone eats too many sugary or acidic foods, white spots sometimes appear on their teeth.
Treatments for White Spots
There are various treatments your dentist may offer to remove white spots on teeth.
Enamel Microabrasion
Enamel microabrasion uses mechanical and chemical abrasion to remove a small amount of tooth enamel (one tenth of a millimeter) so the white spot or other tooth discoloration isn’t so apparent. Dentists often follow up with bleaching the teeth to make the tooth color more uniform.
Whitening or Bleaching Teeth
You can remove stains and white spots simply by having your teeth whitened or bleached. You can do this through your dentist or by using over-the counter-teeth whitening products, such as pastes or whitening strips.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a thin layer of porcelain used to cover the surface of your teeth. They act as thin protective coverings and also hide white spots on teeth.
Do You Have Questions About Your Dental Care?
At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, our dentists are glad to discuss treatment for whatever dental conditions concern you. We can explain your options and help you choose the best treatment.
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