Your teeth can develop white marks for many reasons, including dental fluorosis, poor dental hygiene, consuming a lot of acidic and sugary snacks, etc. But, the good news is that you can get rid of white spots on your teeth. Moreover, you can stop them from forming by adhering to a few simple steps.
White Spots on Teeth Treatment
First, you need to visit your dentist to determine the underlying cause of white stains on your teeth. Then, they will recommend one of the following treatments depending on your teeth’s condition and the cause:
Teeth Whitening or Bleaching Teeth whitening strips or pastes can help you get rid of the white spots on your teeth. You can get these products easily, as they are available over the counter (OTC) and even online. You can also drop by your dentist for a professional teeth whitening treatment if you have white marks on your teeth’s surface. A professional teeth whitening treatment is more effective because they use stronger bleaching solutions than OTC products.
Topical Fluoride Some people can get white spots on their teeth due to enamel hypoplasia. A dentist might apply topical fluoride to treat this condition since it encourages the development of tooth enamel. Moreover, it is also effective in preventing tooth decay.
Enamel Microabrasion Sometimes, dentists suggest enamel microabrasion to treat white marks. In this procedure, they remove a small amount of tooth enamel to get rid of white spots on the teeth. As a result, the appearance of the teeth significantly improves. They might follow this procedure with a tooth whitening treatment, enhancing one’s smile.
Dental Veneer Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that hide our teeth’ defects. It blends with natural teeth, hiding any white spots and other stains on the surface of the teeth. You should visit your dentist for this treatment, as they are the ones who can customize them for you and fix them to your tooth’s surface. However, they might be a bit costly compared to other treatments.
Resin Infiltration Resin infiltration is an effective treatment for white spots on the teeth. In this treatment, your dentist will remove a thin enamel layer. Then, they will apply a tooth-colored resin to the white spots. Next, they will harden the resin with a special light. This treatment will leave you with smooth, even-colored teeth.
Steps for Prevention
Adults and children alike can develop white spots on their teeth. Usually, people notice white marks before they turn 10. Thus, practicing good oral hygiene since childhood is a must. Other than this, sticking to the following might help prevent tooth discoloration:
- Using fluoride-free water to avoid excess fluoride build-up, especially for making formula milk for babies.
- Ensure your children use an appropriate amount of toothpaste — rice grain size for children under three years of age and pea-sized for children above.
- If your home is connected to private wells, get it tested for fluoride levels yearly.
- Limiting the intake of acidic foods and snacks might help get rid of the white spots on your teeth.
- Getting routine dental check-ups and examinations.
Closing Word
To conclude, white spots on teeth are not usually a cause for concern. However, they require immediate attention if they result from conditions like enamel hypoplasia. Therefore, you should immediately visit your dentist for treatment if you notice white spots on your or your child’s teeth. Our dental specialists at A Plus Smile Dental can help if you have tooth discoloration or other oral health issues; just dial (713) 984-4934.