We all have insecurities and parts of our bodies that we aren’t comfortable with. That area is our teeth for many of us, which is no surprise considering how many picture-perfect models and movie stars overtake our screens with shining white smiles. We all want whiter teeth, but even with regular brushing, excellent dental care and teeth whitening attempts, you can be left with white spots or discolouration.
White spots are generally tiny, but they can be the smallest thing that really matter when it comes to the perfect smile. Therefore, to help identify what is causing your teeth white spots and how to get rid of them, we have put together our guide to white spots on teeth.
What causes white spots?
If you have found these tiny white spots on your teeth, you might wonder how they got there and what caused them to appear. Well, the answer is that there is a range of possible causes that you will find below.
Fluorosis
Many people use products containing fluoride for their teeth and dental health, but you can have too much of it, just like all good things. If you have too much fluoride, it can actually cause decay and even these little white spots.
Too much plaque
If you don’t look after your teeth and have poor oral hygiene, you may experience plaque build-up. This accumulation of plaque can lead to the appearance of these white spots on your teeth as well as a range of other oral health issues.
Poor diet
We know that a poor diet is not good for your health, and the same goes for your oral health. If you have a highly acidic diet or consume large amounts of sugar, this can cause discolouration as the acidic food and plaque slowly eat away at your tooth enamel.
Enamel hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a defect that causes less enamel on your teeth than what is considered normal. Enamel hypoplasia is often caused due to a nutritional deficiency, and it can lead to mineral loss within your teeth, along with white spots or discolouration.
How to treat white spots
If these white spots on your teeth bother you, then don’t worry. Several non-invasive treatments are available.
Bleaching
Performed by dentists, bleaching is a tooth-whitening procedure that balances the colour of the teeth’s enamel by lightening the colour of the entire tooth to match the colour of the white spot.
Although this form of treatment is usually effective, it can sometimes lead to bleaching of the white spots, which means they will still be a different colour to the rest of the tooth.
Microabrasion
This process is relatively self-explanatory. Essentially a layer of enamel is removed, which can remove the white spot and improve the overall appearance of the teeth.
Veneers
If you suffer from large quantities of white spots, then the simplest and most effective form of treatment might be to conceal them using porcelain or composite veneers. These veneers will be permanently bonded to the surface of your teeth and will get rid of the white spots and give you the smile of your choice.
ICON white spot removal
ICON white spot removal is the latest cutting-edge technique that is used to get rid of those unsightly white spots and discolouration. ICON works by changing the light refractions of the white spots by infiltration. This makes the discolouration look like sound enamel, so the white spots blend in with the rest of the tooth.
This technique is excellent for the majority of white spots on teeth. However, it is a good idea to ask for a consultation from your cosmetic dentist and find out more about this new non-invasive technique.
How to prevent white spots
Preventing these unwanted white spots is fairly simple and revolves around keeping good dental hygiene and focusing on diet.
Brushing and flossing regularly is the most effective way to prevent the formation of white spots. We advise that you invest in an electric toothbrush as this will offer better cleaning than standard manual toothbrushes.
If you choose to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash then be mindful of the amount you are using. It important not to use excessive amounts, especially in young children. There are many fluoride-free toothpastes on the market with great results.
Finally, by consuming less sugar and less acidic food, you will protect the enamel on your teeth and prevent white spots.
I was always curious about white spots i thought it was a deficiency of calcium
I hadn’t heard of white spots on teeth until I read this post.
I find flossing my teeth really helps keep my teeth and gums healthy something I wish I had done alot sooner.
Interesting didn’t know that!
Very interesting, thank you! I think it’s always worth raising any concerns, including cosmetic ones, with your dentist; they’re usually very happy to discuss the issue and any treatment options.
Some really useful information. Thanks for sharing.