White Spots On Teeth: Causes and Treatment

White teeth are typically associated with great oral health and good hygiene. But this isn’t always the case. White spots on teeth, also called white spot lesions, can be among the earliest signs of tooth decay. There are several reasons these spots can appear on your teeth.

Causes of White Spots

White spots may be due to fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, diet, and poor oral hygiene. The good news is that it’s treatable.

• Fluorosis (overexposure of fluoride). Fluoride is known for its benefits for teeth, but too much fluoride, especially in developing teeth, can have a negative effect.
• Enamel Hypoplasia (thinner enamel). Having thinner enamel than normal is usually due to a nutrient deficiency. This can result from hereditary factors, vitamin deficiencies, or dental trauma.
• Poor Diet. Overconsumption of acidic or sugary food and beverages can cause white spots on your teeth. Because acid and sugar both erode enamel, you are more likely to experience white spots if your diet involves high amounts of acid and sugar.
• Poor Oral Hygiene. When you don’t properly brush and floss, plaque begins to accumulate. When plaque builds up, it can eat away at your enamel, leading to white spots.

Treatment for White Spots

Treating the white spots/discoloration can involve enamel microabrasion, topical fluoride, teeth whitening, or dental veneers.

• Enamel Microabrasion. Your dentist will remove a small amount of your tooth’s enamel to reduce the appearance of white spots. This is typically followed by teeth whitening so that teeth appear uniform in color.
• Topical Fluoride. Fluoride is applied to help develop enamel on the teeth. This is commonly used for people with enamel hypoplasia.
• Teeth Whitening. Whitening can help balance the color between your teeth and the white spots and other stains.
• Dental Veneers. Veneers are custom-made with layers of ceramic materials and bonded to the front of your teeth. This is a great alternative if your teeth color can’t be improved with bleaching alone.

Summary

If you notice white spots on your teeth, contact your dentist for a consultation. While it may be a sign of early tooth decay, it can also be purely cosmetic. There are several options for treating these spots. If you have any questions about white spots on teeth, contact our office!