White spots on the tooth may indicate cavities, excess fluoride, or changes in tooth enamel formation. Stains may appear on your baby’s teeth and permanent teeth and can be avoided with regular dental visits, flossing, and proper brushing at least twice a day.
The 3 main causes of white spots on the teeth are:
- The white spot caused by cavities is the first sign of enamel wear and usually appears in areas where food buildup is present.
- Such as near the gum and between the teeth.
- Which promotes bacterial proliferation and plaque formation.
- Learn more about symptoms.
- Causes.
- And treatment of tooth decay.
Cavities are often linked to a lack of proper oral hygiene, associated with excessive consumption of sugary foods, which promotes bacterial growth and plaques. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth properly, preferably with fluoridated toothpaste, and floss at least twice a day, especially before bedtime.
Fluorosis is excessive exposure to fluoride during the development of teeth, either by increased application of fluoride by the dentist, a large amount of toothpaste used to brush teeth or accidental consumption of fluoride toothpaste, which causes white spots on the teeth.
White spots caused by excess fluoride can be removed by whitening or placing veneers, also known as dental contact lenses, as recommended by your dentist. Know what they’re for and when to put contact lenses on your teeth.
Fluoride is an important chemical element to prevent teeth from losing their minerals and to prevent wear and tear caused by bacteria and substances in saliva and food. Fluoride is usually applied in a dental office from age 3, but it can also be present in toothpastes, using a small amount daily. Find out what the benefits and risks of applying fluoride are.
Enamel hypoplasia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the formation of tooth enamel, which results in the appearance of small lines, a missing part of the tooth, changes in color or appearance of stains depending on the degree of hypoplasia.
People with enamel hypoplasia are more likely to have cavities and tenderness, so it’s important to see your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. Spots caused by hypoplasia are usually easily treated by teeth whitening or the use of remineralizing toothpastes. However, if teeth are missing in addition to stains, your dentist may recommend dental implants. Learn more about tooth enamel hypoplasia, its causes, and treatment.
To avoid the appearance of white spots on the tooth, it is recommended to go to the dentist periodically for a routine cleaning, in which plaque, tartar and certain stains are removed. The dentist may also indicate microabrasion, which corresponds to surface wear of the teeth or teeth whitening. See 4 treatment options for whitening your teeth.
In addition, the dentist may indicate a change in diet, avoiding acidic foods and beverages to prevent further damage to tooth enamel. It is also important to practice proper oral hygiene, at least twice a day, by brushing and flossing. Learn how to brush your teeth correctly.