Why You Have White Spots on Your Teeth

When you smile at yourself in the mirror, you want pearly white teeth to smile back. If you notice white spots on your teeth, you may wonder if it’s a temporary cosmetic problem or an indicator of a more serious health issue. Explore the reasons why you may have white spots on your teeth and how a dentist can help you prevent or treat the problem.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

Several problems may cause white spots to form on your teeth. Some of the most common factors include:

• Too much fluoride: Ingesting too much fluoride leads to a condition called fluorosis. This harmless condition is usually seen in children whose teeth are still developing. To prevent this, give young children fluoride-free toothpaste and instruct older children not to swallow their toothpaste.
• Improperly formed enamel: A condition called hypoplasia causes poorly developed tooth enamel in children, resulting in white spots and an increased risk of tooth decay. Smoking during pregnancy is one reason this can happen.
• Certain medications: Amoxicillin and other medicines taken to treat infections can weaken tooth enamel enough to allow white spots to form. This most often affects children whose teeth are still developing.
• Loss of mineral content: In adults, an opaque, chalky white spot is often the first sign of a cavity. It indicates that the acidic plaque on your teeth has compromised the enamel, which is now starting to decay.
• Poor diet: Not consuming enough calcium and other minerals weakens your enamel. Then, eating too many sugary or acidic foods eats away at your weakened teeth, leading to white spots and eventually cavities. Try eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and low-fat dairy, while reducing your intake of candy, soda, juices, citrus fruits, and starches.
• Poor oral hygiene while wearing braces: It’s common for white spots to develop on your teeth while wearing braces. After all, dental hygiene is more difficult when your teeth are covered with brackets and wires, so thorough brushing and flossing are more important than ever. You may also want to consider Invisalign as a metal-free way to straighten your smile.

Treatment for White Spots on Teeth

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful, prevention is the best medicine. If white spots have already appeared on your teeth, a dentist may be able to remove them, depending on the cause and level of deterioration. The most effective treatments include:

• Enamel microabrasion
• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Topical fluoride
• Composite fillings

If you want help removing white spots from your teeth, Park 56 Dental is here for you. We offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry services to renew your confident smile. Our world-class care and passion for helping our patients have earned us the title of NYC’s best dentist! Find out for yourself what makes us different—call us at (212) 826-2322 or schedule an appointment online today. We have served the 10022 zip code area for over 20 years.