Dental News

White Spots on Teeth: What Causes Them and How to Treat Them

February 20, 2023

White Spots on Teeth: What Causes Them and How to Treat Them

Have you or your child’s teeth developed any white spots? Unless it poses a cosmetic issue, the area itself is typically nothing to be concerned about. However, the spot does always point to a bigger issue that needs to be resolved.

Keep reading to learn some of the potential causes of white spots on teeth. Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you need to set up a dental appointment and get help now.

Poor oral hygiene

If you don’t take good care of your teeth, plaque bacteria will accumulate to an excessive level. This is an issue for a variety of reasons. It can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and ultimately tooth loss. As if that weren’t terrible enough, plaque bacteria also produce acids that can erode or thin your dental enamel, which may result in white spots on your teeth.

Dietary acid

Additionally, the acids in your food can erode your teeth’s enamel, resulting in the development of white spots on your teeth. Soda, energy drinks, citrus fruits & juices, and vinegar are a few examples of popular high-acid issue foods.

Your diet’s acidic foods are the most likely culprit if you’ve observed white spots, especially on the tops of your teeth. After consuming acidic foods or beverages, be sure to immediately clean your teeth or at the very least rinse your mouth out to minimize damage.

Lack of calcium

Your body won’t have the nutrients it needs to create and maintain strong, healthy teeth if you don’t consume enough calcium, and you may start to notice white spots forming.

White marks following braces

Plaque is most frequently to blame for white patches that develop after applying or removing traditional braces. It is interesting to note that due to the fact that the Invisalign trays are removable, patients who use Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment are significantly less likely to experience this issue.

White spots after teeth whitening

The teeth whitening treatment is not to fault if white spots appear after the procedure. Your teeth already had the spots; the treatment only made them more prominent. As the teeth rehydrate, this effect frequently wears off within a few days.

How to remove white spots from your teeth

The occasional white spot on your teeth typically does not require any special treatment. The enamel will naturally be repaired and restored through a process called remineralization when your saliva supplies calcium and other nutrients to the teeth, presuming you consume a nutritious diet and maintain proper oral hygiene. Some dentists advise chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production if you wish to expedite this procedure.

You can contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get personalized help from a dentist.

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