Have you ever looked closely at your teeth and noticed small, white spots? You’re not alone. Many people have this type of tooth discoloration, and it typically doesn’t cause any problems. But if you’re unhappy with these white spots, you may be wondering what caused them in the first place and if there are ways to make them go away. Let’s see what your dentist in Columbia has to say.
Demineralization
Demineralization is one of the more common causes of white spots in adults. It happens when too many bacteria build up teeth and are left there over time. These bacteria can weaken and wear away tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of developing cavities as well as white or brown spots on teeth. Your dentist in Columbia will want to pay particular attention to these white spots as the risk of cavities becomes greater. However, if your teeth remain cavity-free but the spots remain, you may be a good candidate for a professional smile whitening treatment or porcelain veneers to cover up the uneven coloration.
Enamel Hypoplasia
This cause of white spots is more common in childhood but can also occur in adults. It can be caused by a number of factors such as certain medications or medical conditions, dental trauma, diabetes, and other illnesses. As with demineralization, enamel hypoplasia can weaken enamel and make cavity development more likely. Your dentist in Columbia will want to observe these areas to monitor any changes or the appearance of decay. Treatment for spots caused by enamel hypoplasia could also be tooth whitening or porcelain veneers.
Fluorosis
Fluorosis most commonly occurs during childhood, but the white spots that result can follow you into adulthood. Fluoride treatments are recommended for most kids and even some adults to help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. However, even though fluoride is safe, if someone gets too much of it during childhood, fluorosis and white spots can develop. Again, your dentist may be able to cover up these areas through tooth whitening or veneers.
Diet
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for optimal dental health. Our teeth, and our bones, need calcium and vitamin D to remain strong. Without enough of these, teeth can develop white spots simply because the enamel is more likely to weaken. You should make sure to eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, and even calcium-fortified foods.
If you’re bothered by white spots on your teeth, we encourage you to talk with your dentist in Columbia about the many cosmetic dentistry options available to transform your teeth. Additionally, make sure you do everything you can to avoid white spots from popping up in the first place including brushing your teeth and flossing every day and eating a well-balanced diet.
We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas.