If you’ve noticed white spots appearing on your teeth, you may be wondering what could be causing it. White spots are a common problem and can be due to a variety of factors, ranging from poor oral hygiene to underlying medical conditions. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes and treatments for white spots on teeth so that you can get back to smiling confidently.
What Causes White Spots?
White spots on teeth can occur due to several different factors. The most common cause is a lack of proper oral hygiene, which can lead to tooth decay or demineralization. This happens when bacteria build up in the mouth and begins to break down the enamel of the tooth, leaving behind white spots. Dehydration or malnutrition can also contribute to the development of these spots. Additionally, certain medications such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs have been known to cause white spots on teeth as well.
Other possible causes include genetics, environmental factors such as overexposure to fluoride, and even braces or other orthodontic treatments. While many of these causes are harmless and easily remedied with better oral hygiene practices or dietary changes, it’s important to note that some of them may require additional medical attention.
Treating White Spots
The treatment for white spots depends largely on the cause of the discoloration. In cases where poor oral hygiene is responsible for the spots, practicing better brushing habits and using an effective mouthwash should help reduce their appearance over time. Cutting out sugary foods from your diet and drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help keep your teeth healthy and reduce plaque buildup. If necessary, your dentist may suggest a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda paste applied directly onto the affected area in order to lighten the spot’s appearance more quickly.
In cases where medication is responsible for causing white spots on teeth, your doctor may suggest a lower dosage or alternative medication that doesn’t have this side effect. If genetic factors are responsible for discoloration, then cosmetic procedures such as veneers may be recommended by your dentist in order to mask them more effectively. It’s important that you consult with your doctor before attempting any type of self-treatment for white spots on your teeth in order to ensure that you’re taking all necessary precautions before attempting any type of home remedy or procedure not approved by a professional health care provider.
Conclusion
White spots on teeth are fairly common but not always easy to treat depending upon their cause. With proper diagnosis from your dentist and diligent brushing habits at home, however, most cases can be remedied over time with minimal effort involved from yourself! For more information about how best to address any questions about white spots on teeth you may have please contact our office directly today! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
FAQ
What do teeth with white dots mean?
Known medically as white spot lesions, they are an early symptom of deterioration. Fluorosis (excessive fluoride exposure to the teeth), enamel hypoplasia (weaker development of the enamel on teeth), demineralization of the enamel on the teeth, a low calcium diet, and poor dental hygiene are all possible causes of white spot lesions.
Are teeth white spots severe?
White patches on teeth are a type of tooth discolouration. They create a shade of white that is noticeably different from the colour of the rest of your teeth. White spots on your teeth are not hazardous, although they can occasionally be an early symptoms of dental decay.
Are white spots on your teeth typical?
A buildup of bacterial plaque can sometimes result in white patches on the teeth. Poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, is the cause of this.