White Spots on Teeth: What They Are and What to Do About Them

Everyone wants a clean and healthy smile, which is why it can be troubling when you notice white spots on your teeth. These spots are natural and common for many people. They are caused by a variety of reasons, all stemming from damage to your teeth for one reason or another. The good news is that you are not alone in this problem and it is a problem that can be corrected. If you are worried about your smile, here is a deeper look at white spots on teeth and what to do about them.

There are many things that cause white spots to develop on your teeth. In a nutshell, these spots are almost always the result of damage to the enamel of your teeth. Enamel is a protective covering for your teeth that can be worn away over time. Fortunately, you can correct the problem in most cases if you can find the cause. 

One common cause is poor oral hygiene. Not taking care of your dental health lets bacteria grow out of control in your mouth. This bacteria can eat away at your teeth by robbing them of key nutrients that they need to stay healthy. Gum infections create a similar problem but with the bacteria residing in your gum line.

Another cause is an imbalance in nutrients. Having too much fluoride lets it harden on your teeth, making your enamel thicker and harder. Alternatively, having too little calcium can prevent your teeth from growing thicker and healthier. Both problems present as white spots on the surface of your teeth.

Less common causes that often take longer exposure to cause problems are the foods that you eat and smoking. Eating acidic foods can quickly wear down your enamel and leave white spots in cracked or damaged enamel. Likewise, smoking, especially while pregnant, can also cause them. Both can be corrected by simple behavioral changes.

Whatever the reason, you can get rid of the white spots on your teeth. You just have to identify the cause and correct it. For some causes, there are simple behavioral changes that will work over time. However, there are simple dental procedures that you can do to speed up the repair process.

Teeth whitening does more than just make your teeth whiter. It removes stains from your teeth and evens out their color. A simple whitening procedure will help remove those white spots if they are caused by buildup of some kind, or make the rest of your teeth whiter to match. Either way, the whitening process can make your teeth look brighter and more even.

The Icon procedure uses a micro-invasive technology to fill the enamel on your teeth without any drilling or pain. It can help to remove white spots in a single treatment without requiring an invasive procedure. It uses cariogenic acids to draw out minerals and to close the pore system of your tooth.

Another option is enamel microabrasion where the dentist shaves off the top layer of your enamel. This will expose a deeper layer of your enamel that is not damaged by whatever caused the white spots. It essentially scrapes the white spot away, allowing you to start over.

Veneers are a simple fix that gives your teeth false faces. A veneer is a very thin white cover that is attached to the front of your teeth. This will cover up the white spots and give your teeth an even appearance. 

Regardless of whichever method you choose to fix your white spots, make sure that you discuss all of your options with a qualified dentist first. Schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient New Jersey locations today; Freehold 732-625-8080, North Brunswick 732-249-1010, Edison 732-549-3773, or Roselle 908-245-5556.