Is your desire to smile marred by white spots on your teeth? Having these discolorations on your teeth can negatively impact your self-esteem. Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the appearance of these spots, returning the beauty of your smile. Let’s discuss why these white spots happen and what can be done about them.
Why Are There White Spots on My Teeth?
Discolorations in the form of white stains are not harmful on most occasions. While white spots may be a sign of tooth decay, these stains are more likely caused by fluorosis, plaque accumulation, or consuming too many sugary or acidic beverages and foods.
Causes of White Spots on Teeth
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the causes of stained teeth:
Fluorosis
Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste meant to prevent tooth decay. Yet, when there is an excess of it, the opposite occurs. As a result, white, yellow, or brown spots may form on your teeth.
Diet
If your diet is lacking calcium and contains a lot of sugar and acid, your teeth may develop white stains. Without calcium in your diet, the enamel on your teeth grows weak, making your teeth susceptible to discoloration.
Plaque
Your mouth is naturally acidic. This makes it the ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate, compromising your tooth enamel. As more plaque accumulates, your enamel erodes, causing stains to appear on your teeth. This is a process known as decalcification or demineralization, where the acid in your mouth eats away at essential minerals (namely calcium and phosphorus), allowing bacteria to grow.
Enamel Hypoplasia
The condition known as enamel hypoplasia, or Turner’s tooth, occurs when your teeth have less enamel than usual. Turner’s tooth is often the result of smoking tobacco during pregnancy, premature birth, poor nutrition, or taking antibiotics during childhood.
Preventing and Treating White Spots
Now that you know how white spots on teeth occur, it’s time to learn some of the methods for removing them. Practicing good dental hygiene is the best way to begin. Aside from that, consider these helpful tips:
- Drink fluoride-free water and use the proper amount of toothpaste.
- Reduce your intake of candy, soda, citrus fruits, and juices, and, increase the number of leafy greens in your diet.
- Consider visiting a cosmetic dentist like Toothbar for professional teeth whitening. Tooth whitening can make the stains less noticeable and brighten your smile.
Contact Toothbar Today
Now that you know that white spots on your teeth may be caused by a number of issues, including decalcification and plaque accumulation, it is essential to seek advice from a dentist. At Toothbar in Downtown Austin, professionals in cosmetic dentistry can assist with making those spots less noticeable. If you’re ready to smile more often, contact us today at 512-949-8202 or by filling out our contact form.