You will probably suffer from the white spots on teeth, because it mainly stands out, especially if it is with your front teeth. Usually these spots are due to a medical cause, such as a genetic defect or incomplete enamel formation in your childhood. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this, because there is a solution to prevent those white spots on teeth.
White spots on teeth
White spots on teeth can be annoying to many people. These are dull spots that have become porous. They are often visible on your front teeth. They may also appear on both your upper and lower teeth. It is a striking spot that is whiter than your own tooth. The spots can also become browner in color. Of course this can also differ per person, because with one person it may be that the spots are more visible than with the other. The tooth itself is often healthy.
Causes
The white spots on teeth can often have various problems. The most common cause is that the enamel has not developed properly. This disorder can be caused by falling on your mouth, but it could also be due to medicines, fluoride or a hereditary cause. In addition, it may also be the case that wearing a brace can cause white spots to appear.
Too much fluoride
White spots on teeth can be caused by too much fluoride. We also call this fluorosis. Fluoride not only makes the tooth enamel stronger, but it also has its drawbacks. It mainly disrupts the cells in children that make up the enamel, so that the tooth can develop white spots during its development. Teeth that are already fully grown cannot develop fluorosis.
Demineralization
The spots on the teeth are abnormal white, chalky spots that are on the enamel. These can occur as a result of caries-induced demineralization of the teeth. Demineralization will cause the enamel to change, leaving the area with white, chalky spots. The white spots are the first signs of caries. Ultimately, these white spots lead to cavities in the glaze.
Hypoplasia of the enamel
Usually, these white spots mean that there is a congenital enamel defect. A lack of enamel is also called hypoplasia. This can be caused by a disease of the mother during pregnancy, but also due to the incorrect diet and teething problems. Genetics probably also play a role. (So something went wrong during the forming or shaping of the glaze).
Medical cause
- Enamel formation that is incomplete or due to a multiple production of dentine by trauma (for example by a fall);
Fever and viruses cause enamel failure;
Shortage of some nutrients;
Local discoloration of your teeth (Genetically determined);
Medications (for example antibiotics);
Starting cavities
Cavities can also start as spots. An incipient cavity (caries) often looks dull in color and can therefore look like a white spot. The spotcan then penetrate the dentine. The glaze becomes porous due to the acids present that will act on the glaze. This does not mean that you will get a cavity, because tooth enamel can also repair itself, we also call this remineralization.
Actually the striking spot can also shine. This means that the glaze has repaired itself. If the spot has been exposed to acids for a long time, the enamel cannot recover. Then it may be that the white spot can grow into a cavity.
Why do I suddenly get white spots on teeth?
It may be that these white spots on teeth have always been there, but are more on the surface due to natural wear. But it can also be due to certain drink dyes, making the spots on your teeth more noticeable. You can think of tea, coffee, red wine, etc. Moreover, these spots can be more noticeable with a dry mouth, for example when you have a cold.
I have white spots on teeth after removing braces?
In most cases, spots can also be caused by braces. It is often very difficult to brush your own teeth properly around the brackets and as a result, white squares will remain after the bracket has been removed. If you need help with brushing, you can always contact a dental hygienist who can give you extensive information, instruction and advice on how best to brush with a brace.
Can white spots on teeth be removed?
The white spots on teeth are not really harmful. If you continue to brush your teeth well and have your teeth checked regularly by the dental hygienist / dentist, the white spots are in most cases not harmful. You can choose to remove white spots on teeth. There are several options:
- Facings
Teeth whitening
Synthetic resin
Facings
A facing is a composite or porcelain shield that is glued to the tooth, giving the tooth a beautiful shape and color. See here for more information about facings.
Teeth whitening
The result in teeth whitening is not easy to predict and it is therefore not a useful method if you want to remove white spots on teeth. In some cases, bleaching can offer the solution.
Synthetic resin
The porous spots of the glaze can be filled with synthetic resin. This will make the spots on the teeth less noticeable or even disappear completely.
Frequently asked questions
It can have various causes if you get white spots. It can mainly arise from wear of the enamel, from traumatic events or from the use of medication. It may also be that they were already present, but become more noticeable by drinking certain colored drinks such as coffee, tea or red wine.
Most people get white spots on teeth after wearing braces. That’s because the enamel under the bracket cannot be properly cleaned.
Usually, the white spots on teeth are not that harmful. You can have these white spots removed by a dentist. Fortunately, there are several options for this: facings, teeth whitening, synthetic resin.