Everyone loves a bright and beaming smile. But having white spots on your teeth can mess with that ideal vision. After all, no one wants their pearly whites to look patchy, do they?
So, what exactly is it that causes this discoloration? Why do you have white spots on your teeth? Is there a way to get rid of them? — If you’re looking for answers to these questions, don’t worry. We’ve mentioned all you need to know about white spots on teeth right here in this blog.
Why Do I Have Odd, White Spots On My Teeth?
White, discolored marks aren’t all that uncommon. They’re your body’s way of letting you know that you’re lacking in self-care.
For instance, white marks under nails usually indicate calcium and zinc deficiency. Similarly, white spots on your teeth signify a lack of enamel production.
However, there isn’t just one complete answer to why these spots occur. Essentially, there are three different reasons why your teeth suddenly develop white marks on them, including:
- Lack of Enamel
Did you know your tooth is made up of different components? It contains pulp, dentin, and enamel, with enamel being the outer layer of the tooth. It’s what keeps your teeth safe and protected from harm. But when your teeth do not contain enough enamel, it’s due to a condition called enamel hypoplasia.
This can cause odd specks of white on your teeth and give way to tooth sensitivity as well as tooth decay. - Cavity
You’re probably used to cavities being dark brown or black. But during its initial stages, right when a cavity starts to take root, it goes through the process of demineralization.
During this, your tooth decalcifies. That is to say, it loses all its minerals, which is caused by a long-term build-up of bacteria. To prevent this from happening and to avoid your tooth from falling off, visit your dentist immediately. - Fluorosis
Fluoride is typically seen as a mineral with many benefits. However, when you have too much of it, your teeth are the first ones to suffer. Whether it’s by drinking a high amount of fluoridated water or by accidentally ingesting fluoride toothpaste, your oral health can get severely affected. This can lead to a condition called fluorosis.
With fluorosis, there’s a high chance of your teeth rotting if not treated in time. This is because once settled in, fluorosis can destroy your teeth from the inside out, leading to tooth decay.
Here’s How You Can Get Rid Of White Spots On Teeth
In order to eliminate white spots from your teeth, you will need to schedule a visit with your dentist. This is because, in most cases, tooth discoloration is a sign of enamel loss, and unfortunately, there is no coming back from it.
Once your teeth lose enamel, you cannot get it back. Nevertheless, if the white spots are caused due to cavities, your dentist might be able to clean them up via dental cleaning. Perhaps even apply a fluoride treatment if needed.
Mentioned below are some other treatment options your dentist might recommend:
- Enamel Microabrasion
- Dental Veneers
- Teeth Whitening Treatment
- Dental Crowns
- Professional Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride Treatment
The Final Takeaway
To conclude, if you recently found yourself asking, “Why do I have white spots on my teeth?” Don’t wait and ponder. Instead, head over to Porter Smiles Dental immediately. Depending on the other signs, you might be dealing with fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, or decalcification.
For more information, dial (281) 519-7200. You can also drop by our dental office at 21693 FM1314 #700, Porter, TX 77365, next to Southern Maid Donuts.