Are you suffering from any strange discoloration or white spots on your teeth? While these stains and spots can look very unsightly, they are actually quite common. But just because they are common doesn’t mean anyone wants to keep them!
Luckily, there is a variety of methods you can try to get rid of white spots on your teeth. Let’s take a closer look below at what causes white spots on your teeth and what you can do to get rid of them forever.
What causes white spots on teeth?
There are a number of different reasons that could cause discoloration or white spots on your teeth. These conditions include:
- Demineralization from bacterial plaque
This is one of the most common ways that people get white spots on their teeth. Demineralization is a natural process that occurs when your teeth lose precious minerals to your saliva and the rest of your body. This process is naturally balanced by the body with a process known as remineralization, which redeposits the minerals and nutrients that were pulled from the teeth in the first place.
However, the natural interplay between both of these dental processes is altered when the teeth and mouth aren’t given the proper attention and cleanings. When bacterial plaque takes hold for too long, the demineralization process will work in overdrive and cause discoloration. Children with braces have a tendency to develop this due to the difficulty of properly brushing their teeth in some areas.
- Enamel hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a condition that occurs when someone is suffering from side effects caused by some medications or nutritional deficiencies. They can also occur if someone was subject to prenatal smoking or a premature birth. During enamel hypoplasia, the teeth become weaker, less resistant to decay and develop spots that can range from brown to white in color.
- Fluorosis
Fluorosis is a condition that occurs when a child has been ingesting an excessive amount of fluoride. This can occur for a variety of different reasons but is usually tied to excessively fluoridated drinking water or ingesting toothpaste rather than spitting it out.
While fluoride usually makes teeth more resistant to decay, large amounts of fluoride can cause discoloration of the teeth. Spots on the teeth can range from yellow to brown to white. Teeth suffering from fluorosis look quite a bit like teeth suffering from enamel hypoplasia.
How to get rid of white spots on teeth?
There are a few different methods at your disposal to get rid of white spots on your teeth and make them look more aesthetically pleasing. These methods include:
- Bleaching your teeth
Bleaching your teeth is an effective way to get rid of a wide variety of discolorations on your enamel. The most effective methods of bleaching your teeth are professional bleaching treatments by a qualified dental professional or asking for a detailed, supervised kit that you can use at home.
There are also quite a few different over-the-counter teeth bleaching treatments that work pretty well. However, they are usually not quite as effective as bleaching treatments from your dentist.
- Microabrasion treatments
A microabrasion treatment involves removing thin layers of your teeth in order to make a more even-colored and smooth look. Microabrasion treatments are often used in conjunction with bleaching treatments for dramatic improvements.
- Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are ceramic “fake” teeth that are laid onto or attached over your entire tooth. They are a solution for teeth that are so badly damaged or discolored that other treatments do not achieve the desired aesthetic look. However, they are quite durable and stain-resistant, so they are a very popular option, especially with celebrities.
If you are interested in how to get rid of white spots on teeth further or are simply looking for the best dental care in the greater Miami area, please contact us anytime at Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry!