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Pretty much everyone wants white teeth. White spots on teeth, however, are a different story. They can disrupt the natural beauty of your smile and may even make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. What causes those pesky white spots, and is there any way to fix them? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Causes of White Spots on Teeth
White spots on teeth can have a number of different causes:
- Overuse of fluoride. Overexposure to fluoridated products, especially during childhood, can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis, which is characterized by patches of discoloration on the teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to overgrow in the mouth, which may weaken your enamel in some places. Some people with braces do not adequately clean around their brackets, which can affect their enamel in those difficult-to-clean nooks and crannies.
- A poor diet. Eating too many acidic foods can adversely affect the health and appearance of your enamel. Not consuming adequate nutrients, including calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, may also contribute to white spots.
- Enamel hypoplasia. This is a general term that refers to abnormalities in tooth enamel formation.
Is There Any Way to Fix White Spots?
In most cases, the appearance of white spots on teeth can be reduced or even eliminated with the help of a qualified dentist. Depending on your unique circumstances, your care team might recommend:
- Enamel microabrasion. This involves removing a tiny bit of enamel in order to give the teeth a more polished, more uniform appearance.
- Teeth whitening. Teeth whitening uses bleaching formulas to brighten the teeth, which can help unsightly white spots to blend in. Caution is in order with teeth whitening because, in some cases, it can make fluorosis more noticeable. Your dentist can advise you on whether it is suitable for your situation.
- Veneers or bonding. These services completely cover white spots. They tend to last longer than teeth whitening and can provide additional cosmetic benefits. For example, they can slightly reshape the teeth.
White spots on teeth usually do not signal a major oral health problem, but they are certainly annoying! Talk to your dentist to find out how you can achieve a more uniform, more confident smile.
Meet the Practice
At Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach, we are proud to offer a broad range of cosmetic services to our community. If you are bothered by white spots on your teeth or other aesthetic concerns, we are ready to consult with you. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 772-569-4424.