What white spots on teeth look like
These white spots may vary in size and shape and may be irregularly distributed. The color of the stains is lighter than the normal shade of the teeth and creates an obvious contrast with the surrounding enamel. They may resemble small dull areas on the teeth, affecting the overall appearance of the smile.
Having white spots on the teeth can not only affect the smile aesthetically, but can also affect the structure of the tooth internally. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the white spots on the teeth and rule out associated pathologies.
White spots are one of the most common conditions we face as dentists in our dental clinics in Barcelona. The previous analysis allows us to choose the best dental esthetic treatment to solve the problem quickly and give the patient a beautiful and natural smile.
Why do white spots appear on the teeth?
White spots on teeth are usually caused by a loss of mineral content in the enamel. Normally, these stains indicate that there is a decalcification of certain areas, but the causes for their appearance are diverse.
Here are 6 possible causes of white spots on teeth
- Lack of mineralization in the dental enamel can appear due to a lack of mineralization of the enamel (or hypoplasia) during its formation, both in milk teeth and in permanent teeth, due to a nutritional deficit or in celiac patients with limited absorption of nutrients.
- Decalcification of the enamel may be caused by dental caries in its initial process, which appear due to poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
- Fluorosis.Another main cause of the appearance of white spots on teeth is the excess accumulation of fluoride in the enamel.
- Poor diet. An excess of sweet and/or acidic foods, or a diet poor in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, may be the cause of this problem.
- Celiac disease. People with undiagnosed celiac disease suffer from white spots on the teeth, so it is possible that both conditions are related in some cases. Adequate nutrition would be the best solution in this case.
- Medications. The consumption of some medications that cause this dental defect.
Braces or other orthodontic appliances do not cause white spots on teeth, it is poor hygiene during treatment that can result in stains that may indicate incipient decay.
See How to prevent and eliminate dental tartar. A complete guide
How to prevent the appearance of white spots on teeth
Now that we know the most common causes of white spots on teeth, we can apply some guidelines to avoid this problem.
- Proper dental hygiene is basic. Teeth should be brushed every day after every meal, and dental floss should be used frequently. In order for tooth brushing to be more effective in preventing the erosion of tooth enamel, and consequently, the possible appearance of white spots on teeth, it is important to use a toothpaste suitable for each age (especially in children) and avoid brushing your teeth aggressively. In this way, excess or lack of fluoride in the enamel is avoided and the possibilities of suffering dental wear are reduced.
- A regular visit to the dentist for a professional dental cleaning and check-up is highly recommended.
- Maintain a balanced and healthy diet, including foods such as milk, cheese, almonds or hazelnuts, which are all products high in calcium, to maintain adequate calcium levels.
How to remove white stains on teeth
Treatment to remove white stains on teeth can only be done through professional treatment at the dentist. This is a type of stain that, although it is found in the superficial layer of the enamel in most cases, requires specific dental material to remove it, as well as the necessary knowledge and experience.
Forget about home remedies such as lemon juice, green tea or baking soda,… they will not attack the root of the problem. Consult your dentist to solve the cause that originates the stains on your teeth, such as:
- White spots due to caries birth.It is urgent that you visit a dental clinic to stop the development of bacteria with microabrasion. This treatment involves removing the layers of enamel in poor condition, and then replacing them with a composite in the shade of your own enamel.
- In patients who suffer from white stains on their teeth due to lack of fluoride, topical fluoride treatment can help reduce discoloration.
- If the white stain is caused by hypoplasia, fluorosis or medication, the staining is internal, the white stains cannot be removed so the recommended treatment may be professional tooth whitening or enamel veneering with dental veneers or crowns.
In either case, at Raslan Dental Clinic we can help you to remove these white stains from your teeth. Come to our dental clinic in Barcelona and we will study your case to provide a safe and lasting solution. Call us at + (34) 669 154 020 and make your appointment to remove white stains from your teeth. We attend to you in English
You can also read:
How to solve the problem of a tooth that turns black
Swollen gums. Causes and some treatments
Dental caries. What they are, how to treat them and how to prevent them
En julio de 2019 realizé un programa avanzado en Odontología Integral en la Universidad de Nueva York. Este programa me dió la oportunidad de ampliar mis conocimientos en odontología general en un ambiente multicultural y publicar trabajos de investigación en revistas americanas, así como hacer voluntariado en un país subdesarrollado para tratar la sonrisa de los pacientes.
Aparte de la odontología, mis aficiones son el yoga, la cocina y viajar para descubrir nuevas culturas
