What are white spots the spots on my teeth?
White spots on your teeth are common. Some people have them from childhood while others see them appear later. These spots are a sign of mineral loss and often point to thinning tooth enamel.
What causes them?
The cause of white spots can vary and its therefore important to know what exactly is the cause of yours. Some white spots begin during childhood as a result of using too much fluoride before your teeth were fully developed. In this case, they are likely formed from excess calcium buildup.
Another cause is poor dental hygiene habits, especially while wearing braces when the buildup of plaque can be hard to reach. Dry mouth can also lead to white spots. Without adequate saliva production, acids that erode tooth enamel don’t neutralize and therefore begin wearing down your teeth.
How can I get rid of them?
While some teeth can be treated with simple cosmetic procedures, other white spots require much more attention since they are closely linked to the overall health of your teeth. Common treatment plans for cosmetic fixes can be bleaching or porcelain veneers. The best course of action is to make an appointment with a Dental Care Center dentist to decide the cause of your teeth stains. Your dentist can then select a course of treatment that will protect the health of your teeth.
What steps can I take to prevent them in the future?
In order to prevent these problems, we suggest having regular check-ups with your Dental Care Center dentist as well as brushing and flossing correctly throughout the day. We especially urge those who wear braces to take extra care in brushing and flossing routines to remove plaque build up in hard-to-reach places. In addition, try to avoid overly acidic and sugary food and drinks that can damage tooth enamel. Instead, choose mineral-rich foods like dairy products, meat and eggs and those foods containing lots of Vitamin D.
For more information on how you can prevent and treat white spots on your teeth, make an appointment with the Dental Care Center today at a location nearest you.