Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed small, white spots on your teeth? You’re not alone. You will find that many people are suffering from this problem they face, which can make them insecure about their happy smiles. The white spots which are hypocalcification of enamel are the areas that seem demineralized and porous in contrast to the rest of the enamel. In this article, we will cover the reasons for white spots on teeth treatment options and how you can prevent them from coming back in future.
Knowing What Causes Tartar Spots or Tooth Staining
- Fluorosis: Such situations are mainly because toddlers overly intake fluoride mostly due to drinking out of the fluoride water or using fluoride toothpaste generously.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene of brushing and flossing, plaque and decalcification will be the result.
- Enamel hypoplasia: A heritable condition leading to thin or softened enamel, keeping the enamel less white and its spotting effect more prominent.
- Acid reflux or eating disorders: These kinds of exposure to stomach acid regularly often lead to the removal of enamel and generate white spots.
Seek orthodontic treatments in case of braces to clear the plaque which can, in turn, result in the development of white spots on teeth how to remove if not properly taken care of.
Treatment Options for White Spots on Teeth
- Microabrasion: This form of procedure consists of removing a little bit of the enamel with a gentle sanding action to reduce the visibility of white spots. Microabrasion is very effective for the eradication of superficial white spots, alongside other procedures such as tooth whitening to achieve the best maintenance.
- Tooth whitening: Professional teeth whitening procedures can help balance the colour of your teeth thereby reducing the noticeable moisture contrast between healthy enamel and the white spots. A Dentist may recommend in-clinic procedures or at-home whitening kits as per the severity and extent of discolouration.
- Dental bonding: The marked area is masted by a tooth-coloured composite resin that fills in the white spots on teeth treatment and smooths and equalises the appearance. The best option of all is that it is non-invasive and can be done in one dental appointment.
- Porcelain veneers: These thin, custom-made porcelain veneers are fitted to the front of your teeth like art and as such you get healthy-looking more white teeth. Veneers, which are precisely glued to the exterior of the teeth, include this process and are very expensive and invasive procedures in which even natural tooth enamel can be removed.
- Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) products: A CPP-ACP finished product that acts as the principal agent in the remineralization of enamel, and the anti-spot wear mechanism, ultimately leads to discolouration removal.
A Combination Approach: Maximising Results
Usually, a combination of different medical treatments is better and gives improved results. Another example is that microabrasion of white spots on teeth treatment followed by tooth whitening would result in a greater difference in appearance as compared to the outcomes of either of these treatments taken individually. Another alternative could be the combination of dental bonding or porcelain veneers with whitening, or vice versa, to resolve both colour and shape issues.
Preventing Future White Spots
Prevention is usually the wisest form of care and treatment, however, there are treatment options for white spot lesions.
- Practise good oral hygiene: Brush morning and evening, always use floss to remove the plaque and follow it up with antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Limit fluoride exposure: Make no overuse of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and consume a moderate amount of fluoridated water.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Restrict sweetened snacks and beverages, acidic foods, and beverages that can wear out enamel.
- Monitor orthodontic treatments: Make it a habit to search for any plaque that may have accumulated around the braces and your orthodontist’s advice on keeping good oral hygiene and following it.
Conclusion
White spots on teeth can be a cause of worry and anxiety but you can nevertheless be able to find the cause and treat it as well to restore your smile and look good. Through collaboration with your dentist and adherence to the provided prevention tips, you will be able to maintain your pearly whites properly both in looks and feel.
Most importantly, each person’s situation differs, so the ways how to tackle white spots on teeth could vary. Consulting with a dentist to ensure that you get the most effective and immediate treatment plans for your unique dental condition is paramount.