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Treatment options for white spots on teeth will depend on the cause. They include composite resin treatment, caries management, avoiding sugary drinks and adjusting fluoride use.
White spots can appear on the teeth for a number of reasons, including poor dental hygiene and eating too many acidic or sugary foods.
In this article, we look at the reasons why people may develop white spots on their teeth and provide 11 tips for treating and preventing them.
Image credit: Matthew Ferguson 57, 2015
There are many possible causes of white spots on the teeth.
A common cause is dental fluoridation.
People usually get it when they are young if they consumed too much fluoride as a child. It is usually a harmless condition that tends to develop only before the teeth break through the gums.
Another common cause is enamel hypoplasia.
This condition occurs when a person’s tooth enamel does not form properly. Like fluorosis, hypoplasia only occurs during childhood when a person’s teeth are still developing. However, it can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Other causes of white spots on the teeth include poor dental hygiene, especially when one wears braces or eats too many acidic or sugary foods.
There are many possible treatments for white spots on teeth. The suitability of these treatments may depend on the underlying cause of the white spots and the condition of a person’s teeth.
1. Micro-abrasion of enamel
Some people may be able to have micro-scraping to treat their whiteheads. During this procedure, a dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the teeth to reduce the appearance of white spots.
This professional treatment is usually followed by teeth whitening, which can make the teeth appear more uniform in color.
2. Bleaching or teeth whitening
Teeth whitening or bleaching can help reduce the appearance of white spots and other stains. A variety of teeth whitening products, such as strips and pastes, are available over the counter (OTC). People can also buy these products In connection.
People with white spots can also visit a dentist for professional whitening treatments. These treatments tend to use stronger whitening solutions than those available OTC, which can make them work better.
3. Dental veneer
Dental veneers are thin, protective covers that attach to the front surface of a person’s teeth. They can hide white spots and other blemishes very effectively.
Dental veneers are only available from a dentist and must be fitted professionally. This can make them costly.
4. Topical fluoride
A dentist can apply topical fluoride to the teeth of people with enamel hypoplasia. This can encourage the growth of enamel on the teeth and help prevent tooth decay.
5. Composite resin.
For people with enamel hypoplasia, the dentist can apply composite resin to fill the cavities and bond the outer enamel of the teeth. This may not be suitable if people have a large number of white spots on their teeth.
Image credit: Maurizio Procaccini et al, Head & Face Medicine, 2007
Excellent dental hygiene can help prevent white spots on the teeth as well as other stains, tooth decay, gum disease or other dental problems.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
For most people, white spots on the teeth appear before they reach the age of 10. This may differ for some people.
Therefore, it is important that people encourage their children to have good oral hygiene and other prevention habits. This can help them ensure that their teeth stay healthy and strong.
By following the following tips you can prevent the development of white spots on children’s teeth:
6. Use water without fluoride
For babies who are fed primarily infant formula, preparing the formula with fluoride-free water can help prevent excessive fluoride build-up on their teeth.
7. Using the right amount of toothpaste
For children under 3 years of age, people should ensure that they do not use more than a dab of toothpaste or an amount the size of a grain of rice on their toothbrush.
For children over 3 years of age, caregivers should ensure that they do not use more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Young children often fail to spit out toothpaste, so using a small amount can help reduce their overall fluoride exposure. Supervising a child’s brushing can help ensure that they are using an appropriate amount of toothpaste and that they are not swallowing too much.
8. Well Water Testing
People should consider testing their water for fluoride levels on an annual basis if their homes are connected to private wells. This policy is vital for anyone with young children, as natural fluoride levels can vary greatly in different places.
9. Following fluoride supplement recommendations
The ODA recommend fluoride supplements for children aged between 6 months and 16 years who live in areas without fluoridated water and are at high risk of tooth decay. These supplements should only be used if prescribed by a doctor or dentist.
10. Cut down on sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Tooth enamel can be damaged and the risk of tooth decay increased by certain foods and drinks, especially those high in sugar or acid.
Foods and drinks to be aware of include the following:
- citrus juices and fruits such as grapefruit, lemons and oranges
- hard candies and other sugary sweets
- soft drinks and other drinks with a high sugar content, including sports drinks
While occasional consumption of these foods and beverages may be harmless, excessive or excessive consumption can lead to damage and blemishes, including white spots.
Drinking water after eating these foods can help flush your teeth and reduce the chances of damage. Drinking through a straw can also help.
11. Visiting a dentist
Anyone concerned about their or their child’s dental health should speak to a dentist.
Although white spots on the teeth may be less than desirable, they are usually not a cause for concern. However, people with enamel hypoplasia may be at increased risk of tooth damage and caries.
If a person notices that the white spots on their teeth are changing in size or number, or have started to have toothache, they should see their dentist.
A dentist can assess the symptoms and condition of the teeth and will recommend a treatment plan if necessary.
People rarely need to worry too much about white spots on their teeth and can treat them for cosmetic purposes if they wish.
The dentist may recommend interventions, such as professional whitening or veneers, to make teeth appear more evenly colored.
Anyone concerned about white spots on their teeth should visit their dentist for an examination.
