When looking in the mirror, are you suddenly surprised to see small white spots on your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. These tiny formations can be a deterrent and cause you to become self-conscious about your appearance, but what causes them to form in the first place? Keep reading to learn what can cause white spots and what your dentist can do to erase them so that you see a flawless, beautiful smile.
Why Do White Spots Form on Teeth?
There are many reasons why you might see white spots on your teeth. Some of the most common include:
- Dental Fluorosis: If you were exposed to too much fluoride as a child, you may notice white spots on your teeth. This can include consuming excess fluoridated water or taking specific medicine. If enamel hypoplasia occurs – an enamel defect that occurs while it’s still developing – it can lead to permanent discoloration.
- Diet: White spots can form if you do not eat calcium-enriched foods. Because it is designed to strengthen bones and tooth enamel, failing to eat enough foods that are high in calcium (i.e., leafy greens, cheese, milk, almonds, etc.) increases your risk of white spots.
- Certain Medications: During childhood, you may have taken too many antibiotics that made it difficult for your body to absorb important nutrients.
Other possible reasons white spots can form include smoking while you’re pregnant, bacterial overgrowth, and even braces.
What Can a Dentist Do to Remove White Spots?
When seeing a dentist about your white spots, they may suggest a few different options depending on what they offer and what you might be interested in pursuing. The most popular method of treatment is teeth whitening (or bleaching). Using professional-grade products, your dentist can provide safe and effective take-home whitening kits to help eliminate white spots on teeth.
Another possible solution is custom veneers. Made from porcelain or similar materials, these thin coverings can conceal white spots so that your teeth appear uniform in shape, size, and color. You’ll no longer be embarrassed by the inconsistency of your smile but instead, you’ll feel confident when showing off your teeth while speaking or eating around others.
Don’t assume white spots are here to stay for the rest of your life. Instead, talk to your cosmetic dentist about your options and prepare to say goodbye to these imperfections.
About the Author
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf is a cosmetic dentist who recognizes the shock a person might experience should they discover white spots on their teeth. Unlike stains, chips, cracks, or even gaps, these can be subtle but also eye-catching enough to make a person self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, with cosmetic solutions capable of hiding these flaws, like veneers and teeth whitening, he can deliver exceptional results. Contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to find out how we can help.
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