Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth?

When it comes to your oral health, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Every question has answers that impact your well-being. For example, you may wonder, “Why do I have white spots on my teeth?”

There are a few things that can cause white spots on the teeth ranging from cosmetic to harmful. Please keep in mind this article is purely for education; a diagnosis and treatment must happen in the hands of an experienced, qualified dentist.

The best treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the spots. It may range from treatments to strengthen your teeth or more cosmetic options like veneers.

Before delving into treatment options, it may help to understand some of the more common causes.

Demineralization of the Teeth

Often white spots are the result of demineralization. This is a process that often leads to tooth decay, and it’s usually the result of poor oral hygiene.

Here’s how it happens:

• When you eat foods, especially those high in sugar and starches, the bacteria in your mouth break them down into acids. These bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque. Plaque builds up.
• The acids in plaque remove minerals from your tooth’s hard outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny holes in the enamel. When this damage reaches the dentin layer underneath the enamel, it’s known as a cavity.
• The first sign of demineralization and the start of tooth decay is often a white spot on the tooth’s surface. At this early stage, tooth decay can be stopped and reversed. The tooth can repair itself if the minerals are replaced.
• If left untreated, those white spots can turn into painful cavities.

Sometimes demineralization happens when you wear braces, even if you brush your teeth twice a day as recommended. The braces sometimes get in the way of thoroughly cleaning your teeth. If you wear braces, please talk with your orthodontist about the most effective ways to clean your teeth. You need to make an extra effort to clean your teeth and gums when wearing braces.

So, the leading causes of demineralization and white spots are poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugars and starches. You can prevent it from happening by staying consistent with your oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes. Spend that time gently cleaning all surfaces of each tooth. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about the best technique if you’ve been brushing but still have white spots.
• Use a toothpaste containing fluoride, ideally one that is American Dental Association-approved.
• Floss daily to remove bacteria below the gum line and between your teeth.
• Keep sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and drinks to a minimum and confine consumption to a time when you can rinse your mouth and gently brush.
• See your dentist twice yearly for a cleaning and examination to minimize plaque build-up and treat any issues as they develop.

Your dentist may prescribe special fluoride rinse treatments to help remineralize and strengthen your teeth.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is a dental condition where the tooth’s enamel doesn’t develop fully. As a result, it is thinner and more brittle than usual.

Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body. If it’s not fully developed, it can leave the teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

This condition can be caused by a variety of things, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Premature birth
• Certain medical conditions
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• As a result of trauma to the teeth
• Interruptions in enamel formation due to illnesses or fevers during childhood

The appearance of teeth with enamel hypoplasia can vary. They may have pits, grooves, or white or yellow-brown discolorations. In severe cases, the shape of the teeth may be affected.

Treatment for enamel hypoplasia depends on the severity of the condition. It may involve topical applications of fluoride to strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity. In other cases, dental procedures like bonding, veneers, or crowns are used to protect the teeth and improve their appearance.

It can be prevented through proper prenatal care during pregnancy and pediatric care once the child is born. Since some of the causes are beyond your control, they may not always be preventable. However, prenatal and pediatric care, along with good nutrition and strong oral hygiene from infancy, all help prevent it.

Fluorosis

Fluorosis is the result of getting too much fluoride over a long period when the teeth are still forming under the gums.

This can happen due to excessive fluoride in the drinking water, taking high-fluoride supplements, or ingesting fluoride toothpaste. It’s mainly a cosmetic concern. It doesn’t cause pain or affect the health or function of the teeth. You cannot develop fluorosis once your teeth have broken through the gums.

You have a few options if you have fluorosis and don’t like how it looks. For some, teeth whitening makes the spots less noticeable. Other cosmetic dentistry options like microabrasion, veneers, bonding, or crowns can improve the look or hide the white spots.

Schedule a Dental Appointment to Learn Your Options

If you have little white spots on your teeth, schedule a dental appointment, especially if it has been more than six months since your last one. If your teeth are suffering from remineralization, treating them now can save you from painful cavities and fillings in the future.

When you see your dentist, share your concerns and any other symptoms you are experiencing. Talk frankly about your medical and dental history, including any trauma your teeth may have experienced. After your dentist examines your teeth, they may develop a treatment depending on the cause of the white spots. If you live in the Charlotte, NC, area and need a dentist for preventative oral health or cosmetic needs, consider Southview Dentistry. We feel privileged to help our community members achieve healthy, radiant smiles. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.