Pearly white teeth are an important part of an attractive smile. More importantly, milky white teeth are considered a sign of good dental health. But what if a tooth develops white spots? Is it also a sign of good dental hygiene? No, it’s not. These small white spots on teeth are called white spot lesions.
If you or a loved one observes these white spots on their teeth, they shouldn’t take them lightly. Unfortunately, tooth white spots not only affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics but also indicate a more serious underlying issue – tooth decay. Moreover, untreated white spot lesions can result in various complications. But here is the good news; White spot lesions are preventable.
If you want to know more about preventing white spots on teeth, you have come to the right place. So, continue reading to learn more about white spots on teeth, their prevention, and management.
What Causes White Spots To Appear On My Teeth?
Many people develop bright, white spots around their teeth, often after orthodontic treatment or due to poor oral hygiene maintenance. The primary cause of white spot formation on teeth is demineralisation of the tooth enamel. White spots appear when the demineralised part of the tooth has a different refractive index than the healthy tooth. As a result, it appears brighter than the rest of the tooth.
According to Healthline, white spot lesions can be caused due to various reasons, such as:
- Plaque and tartar-induced demineralisation of the teeth
- An acid-rich diet that causes tooth demineralisation
- Congenital anomalies causing deficient mineralisation or less enamel than normal
- Dental fluorosis – a condition caused by the intake of very high amounts of fluoride during tooth development
- Mouth breathing can also cause white spot lesions
Can Your Dentist Get Rid Of White Spots On Teeth?
It may be possible to reverse white spot lesions. However, it is only possible if you seek early treatment before the lesions turn into cavities. Your dentist will first ask you to maintain optimal oral hygiene through brushing and flossing. They may also prescribe a mouthwash to mineralise your teeth.
Next, your dentist will use various tooth remineralisation options such as fluoride varnishes or gels. These help replenish the mineral content of your teeth, making them more resistant to tooth decay. In some cases, it may be possible to reverse the white spots.
Small white spots on teeth can be removed with a procedure called micro-abrasion. In this, your dentist will remove a very thin layer of the enamel to remove the aesthetic defect caused by the white spot. Don’t worry; it won’t make your teeth sensitive or caries-prone.
If the white spots on teeth have turned into cavities, then your dentist will remove the damaged tooth portion and replace it with a suitable filling material. Dentists typically use composite white fillings for restoring teeth with cavities. Another cosmetic alternative for restoring damaged teeth is dental veneers. Your dentist will suggest the best treatment option for you after a detailed clinical examination.
Should You Get A Filling On A White Chalky Cavity?
Dental fillings are needed when a cavity forms around a white spot. As long as the tooth’s surface remains intact and the damage is only in the enamel, you won’t need a filling. In such cases, your dentist will use various topical remineralising agents to replenish the mineral deficiency in the dental enamel.
Why Are My Teeth Turning White At The Bottom?
If you observe that your teeth are turning white at the bottom, it indicates white spot lesions. While there could be several reasons for having white spot lesions, they mainly occur due to the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel. But there is no need to worry; if you seek timely treatment for these white spots, it may be possible to reverse them completely, without the need for dental fillings.
How To Remove Brown Spots From The Teeth?
According to Healthline, brown spots on one’s teeth can occur due to various reasons. Some of these include:
- Nicotine use
- Eating strong-coloured foods and beverages that may cause brown staining
- Dental fluorosis (high fluoride intake during the tooth development process)
- Tetracycline use during tooth development
- Staining of the tartar deposits on the teeth
- Long-standing dental cavities
The removal of brown teeth stains depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the stains are due to foods and beverages, your dentist will perform professional teeth whitening to remove them. Similarly, they may consider professional teeth cleaning to remove the stained plaque deposits.
If the brown stains are permanent, such as those caused by dental fluorosis or tetracycline, your dentist will remove the affected tooth structure and replace it with a tooth-coloured filling or porcelain veneers.
What Causes White Spots On Teeth After Whitening?
If you observe white spots on teeth after whitening, it could be due to a condition called enamel hypoplasia. In this condition, there is a deficiency of calcium inside the enamel.
Untreated white spot lesions can cause significant complications, For example, long-standing white spot lesions can turn into cavities. These cavities can progress further and result in the exposure of the dental enamel leading to its inflammation. When this happens, the only option to save the tooth would be to perform a root canal procedure.
But all this can be prevented with optimal oral hygiene care and regular dental checkups. If you are looking for the best dentist in Didcot, your best option would be to visit The Oxford Smiles Clinic, which houses state-of-the-art dental equipment and boasts a team of highly qualified dentists to look after your oral health. So, get in touch with us today and let us keep you safe from dental cavities and other oral health problems.