One prevalent kind of discoloration of enamel on teeth is white spots. The tooth seems to be somewhat opaque in some places and dazzling white in others. Although your first impression could be that white teeth appear wonderful, this is not the case in this instance. Teeth with white spots seem discolored and may even be broken.
What are the causes of white spots on the teeth?
Long-term bacterial accumulation in the mouth and the ensuing mineral loss of the tooth cause demineralization, which results in white patches of decalcified enamel on teeth. As a result, demineralization-related white patches might be signs of dental decay.
Turner's tooth, also known as enamel hypoplasia, is a disorder marked by an imperfection in the thickness and quality of enamel. People who have these white spots should routinely visit their dentist.
Children frequently get fluorosis, which is brought on by excessive fluoride exposure. Fluoride has several advantages, but too much of it can discolor teeth. One can use toothpaste, drink tap water, or take fluoride supplements to get too much fluoride.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, consumption of deeply pigmented foods and beverages, poor diet, aging, and certain medications can also lead to teeth discoloration.
How to get rid of white spots on the teeth?
Improving your oral hygiene is part of the treatment plan if you have demineralization-related white patches. At least twice a day, clean your teeth for two minutes at a time, and floss and use mouthwash twice daily. It will also be necessary for you to get a dental examination to identify the source of your white spots. To assist in strengthening your teeth and stop any existing white spots from developing into cavities, the dentist might recommend a fluoride gel.
The reason for the spots determines the course of treatment. Here are a few potential courses of treatment:
Microabrasion: This technique can assist in enhancing the appearance of white spots by employing an abrasive medium to remove a tiny quantity of enamel.
Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening could be an option if the white spots are the result of a color difference between the spots and the surrounding teeth. This might not be effective in every instance of white spots, though.
Dental bonding: In order to assist conceal the spots, a tooth-colored resin substance is put to the afflicted region during this treatment.
Dental veneers: These tiny shells are applied over the teeth if white spots are more severe or pervasive.
Fluorosis normally has very little effect. Reducing your fluoride intake by using the correct amount of toothpaste and switching to bottled water from tap water will help alleviate fluorosis. In extreme situations, cosmetic dental procedures (such as veneers, crowns, tooth whitening, and other restorations) might be used to address any persistent discoloration.
There is no need to treat your white spots if your dentist finds that you have Turner's tooth and they are not contributing to cavities or decay. However, procedures like dental veneers and professional teeth whitening can be utilized to lessen the visibility of the white spots if you are self-conscious about them.
How do I prevent white spots on the teeth?
Make sure to clean and floss your teeth regularly to avoid demineralization and issues from Turner's tooth. Use mouthwash such as Listerine® as well as drink and swish water in your mouth to counteract the acids left behind from eating and drinking. Additionally, try to limit snacking or drinking anything during the day except water.
Keep an eye on the amount of toothpaste your kids use to avoid over-fluoridation. Kids should only put on as much toothpaste as a pea on the toothbrush. When your kids clean their teeth, keep an eye on them and make sure they spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
In conclusion, white patches on teeth can be unsightly and could be a sign of more serious dental problems. Maintaining excellent dental health requires knowledge of the causes of these spots and the right therapies for them. White spots can arise from a variety of causes, including fluorosis, Turner's tooth, and demineralization, each of which calls for a different method of treatment. Treatment methods vary based on the degree and underlying cause of the spots, from veneers and dental bonding to microabrasion and tooth whitening. People may successfully control and decrease the appearance of white spots on their teeth, maintaining both dental health and confidence in their smile, by putting appropriate preventative measures into place and seeking treatment as soon as necessary. You will find great benefits from including Teeth Protect, Tartar Protect, and Whitening products from Listerine in treating white spots and achieving a healthy smile!
References:
Caries Research Unit, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. (2003). Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children under 6 years: A systematic review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 13(6), 427-439. Retrieved from https://lirias.kuleuven.be/retrieve/428294
Insignares-Correa, J., Martínez-Monsalve, I., & Ramírez-Correa, G. A. (2014). An enamel defect in the permanent dentition associated with an unusual radiographic presentation. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 24(6), 453-456. https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12091
Jensen, S. B., & Pedersen, A. M. L. (2021). Oral side effects of targeted cancer therapies: Biologic mechanisms and clinical management. In Oral Complications of Cancer and Anticancer Therapy (pp. 265-287). Springer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585039/
Loney, R. W., & Shannon, H. (1999). An evaluation of a technique to remove stains from teeth using microabrasion. Canadian Dental Association Journal, 65(8), 477-481. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Loney-2/publication/10582814_An_evaluation_of_a_technique_to_remove_stains_from_teeth_using_microabrasion/links/5abe0af045851584fa70428f/An-evaluation-of-a-technique-to-remove-stains-from-teeth-using-microabrasion.pdf
Preshaw, P. M., Alba, A. L., Herrera, D., Jepsen, S., Konstantinidis, A., Makrilakis, K., & Taylor, R. (2012). Periodontitis and diabetes: A two-way relationship. Diabetologia, 55(1), 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-011-2342-y