There are many benefits of having whiter teeth and a brighter smile. Dental treatments such as in-office professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns offer solutions to help you accomplish this goal. In addition to cosmetic dentistry procedures, many retail products such as whitening strips, toothpaste, and mouth rinses can make it easier for you to whiten your teeth at home. But what if white spots on your teeth hinder instead of enhance your smile?
Learn more about how to get rid of white spots on teeth below. For professional advice and treatment schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
What Causes White Spots on Teeth?
White spots are common in children and adults and can make you self-conscious when you smile or talk. There are several potential causes of these discolorations, including:
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Dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on everyone’s teeth each day. When not removed with brushing and flossing, the bacteria found in plaque accumulates and damages dental enamel. Demineralization is the first stage of this damage to the enamel that occurs with mineral loss from your tooth. This appears as a white spot and is the beginning of a dental cavity.
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Fluoride. Fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste has significantly reduced tooth decay. Too much fluoride, however, can cause brown, yellow, or white spot discolorations. This condition, known as fluorosis, occurs from drinking overly fluoridated water, unnecessarily consuming fluoride supplements, or swallowing too much fluoridated toothpaste.
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Enamel defect. A condition known as enamel hypoplasia occurs when the cells that form enamel are disturbed before birth or during infancy. Common causes of hypoplasia include genetics, premature birth, nutritional deficiencies, and medications taken during pregnancy. The result of this defect is brown or white spots due to thinner enamel.
Do Some White Spots Go Away?
White spots on teeth may not alarm you as much as dark ones. However, these spots rarely go away without dental treatment. Therefore, if you notice a white area on one of your teeth, it is best to contact Trident General Dentistry as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment recommendation.
Do White Spots on Teeth Mean Cavities?
Although all white spots are not a sign of tooth decay, it is the most common reason people notice one on a tooth. When detected early, Trident General Dentistry can use very conservative treatment to eliminate the discoloration. However, ignoring the white spot results in a deeper cavity that eventually turns brown and requires more extensive treatment.
Are White Spots from Braces Permanent?
It can be discouraging to have your braces removed and find white spots on your newly straightened teeth. This is usually due to the loss of minerals in your teeth while wearing braces causing plaque buildup. These spots may resolve on their own but typically require remineralization treatment. If the areas don’t remineralize, you may need treatment such as dental veneers to hide the white spots.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth
The cause of your white spots determines the treatment you need. There are several options to eliminate white spots on teeth, such as:
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Enamel micro abrasion. Trident General Dentistry might use special dental instruments to remove a thin layer of enamel on the tooth’s surface. Other treatments such as bleaching and dental bonding often complement micro abrasion for the best results.
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Composite resin. Bonding composite resin to tooth enamel can treat some white spots and demineralized areas. This is a simple procedure that usually requires no dental anesthetic.
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Dental veneers. Thin porcelain shells known as veneers can cover white spots on the facial surface of front teeth.
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Professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening or bleaching can improve the appearance of some white spots by whitening the surrounding enamel on your teeth.
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Professional topical fluoride. Trident General Dentistry may apply topical fluoride to treat enamel hypoplasia white spots. This helps prevent tooth decay and promotes enamel development.
Schedule an Appointment
Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss how Trident General Dentistry help you get rid of white spots on teeth for a brighter smile with healthier gums.