Why do white spots appear on teeth? In this new article by Mariana Arocha, we want to answer one of the main questions we encounter in our day to day, we will detail the most common causes for the appearance of white spots on our teeth, in addition to effective treatments that provide us with a solution. From our dental aesthetics clinic, we will be happy to answer any questions related to both dental and facial aesthetics.
Why do white spots appear on teeth?
White spots on teeth are the result of a loss of minerals in the dental enamel, which indicates the presence of decalcification in specific areas.
The reason why white spots appear on teeth may be due to several causes:
Poor eating habits
A diet with an excess of sugary and/or acidic foods, or a deficiency in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, are possible causes of this problem.
Inadequate oral hygiene
The lack of a complete cleaning of teeth, tongue and gums, can increase the probability of developing periodontal diseases and white spots. Thus, in people with orthodontics, the accumulation of bacterial plaque under the brackets can decalcify the teeth.
Cavities
Cavities in their initial stage can also cause demineralization and the appearance of white spots.
Celiac disease
Undiagnosed celiac patients may have white spots on their teeth, suggesting a possible relationship between celiac disease and this dental problem.
Fluorosis
Excess fluoride during the tooth development stage in children from 9 months to 3 years can cause fluorosis and the appearance of white spots on the teeth. In these cases, the use of special toothpastes for children is recommended instead of fluoride toothpastes to prevent the problem.
Hypoplasia
Insufficient mineralization in the formation process of permanent teeth
Decalcification
Lack of calcium that causes white spots in specific areas of the teeth.
The consumption of certain medications may be the cause of this dental defect.
How to avoid white spots on teeth
Now that you know the reasons why white spots appear on teeth let’s see how they can be avoided.
To have healthy teeth, the main thing is to have good dental hygiene. Children should use a toothpaste suitable for their age and for adults it is advisable to use fluoride toothpastes.
It is also important to eat a healthy and balanced diet to have enough calcium and magnesium in our body. For this, it is important to add raw vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc), dairy products, nuts and fruit to the diet.
Treatments
Some people may overlook the appearance of white spots on their teeth, which can lead to the appearance of cavities if preventive measures are not taken. Other people may opt for teeth whitening treatments at home, purchased in pharmacies, but this does not solve the problem and may even worsen it.
There are several treatments that depend on why white spots appear on the teeth, each person will need individual attention. Even so, the most frequent treatments are:
Microabrasion
It consists of polishing the most superficial layer of the dental piece, it is a treatment that is performed when the spots are not yet very deep.
Dental veneers
It is a treatment by which porcelain veneers are placed, it is a process that is carried out when there are very deep white spots or also cases of fluorosis.
This has been all about why white spots appear on teeth. From Mariana Arocha, we offer different services related to dental aesthetics and care, such as smile design. TWe recommend that you continue visiting our blog and consult some of our other main posts such as: what is the best facial treatment for wrinkles.