How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth: Best Practices
The best dental hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice daily, will help you maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, some people develop white spots or bright discoloration on their teeth regardless of their dental care habits.
There are multiple reasons why this issue occurs despite a person’s oral hygiene routine. Here, Westchase Smiles Institute, Tampa’s trusted cosmetic dentist, explains how to get rid of white spots on teeth and why the discoloration develops.
What Causes White Dental Discoloration?
White markings on teeth are unwanted and unsightly. One bright spot can make an entire tooth look dull, stained, and unattractive. Children and adults who regularly eat acidic foods and don’t practice good dental hygiene are most likely to develop white spots. Acidic foods and bacteria byproducts lead to calcium loss and tooth discoloration.
The condition can also occur in people with certain dental problems, such as:
- Dental Fluorosis: Children with excessive fluoride consumption may have white or brown spots on their primary teeth. They might overuse fluoride by drinking heavily fluorinated tap water, rinsing their mouths with fluoride mouthwashes, or eating fluoride toothpaste.
- Demineralization: Decalcified enamel on a tooth from excessive mouth bacteria and mineral loss can produce white spots.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This dental condition is genetic or congenial. It leads to weakened tooth enamel, causing white spots or pitting.
Tips to Fix White Spots on Teeth
You have several options for treating white dental discoloration. For instance, fluoride treatments can strengthen your tooth enamel if demineralization causes your spots. Some people benefit from peroxide-based teeth whitening procedures to brighten their teeth and achieve even coloring.
According to an article in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, microabrasion is an effective treatment for white spots on teeth. Microabrasion gently eliminates a thin layer of tooth enamel using acids and abrasive materials like silica and phosphoric acid. This treatment plan can restore a tooth’s natural appearance as long as the damage is surface-level.
If the damage is too severe, your dentist might recommend dental veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a dentist bonds onto the front of a severely discolored tooth. Dental veneers are natural-looking and comfortable because dentists shave a thin layer of enamel to fit the veneer snuggly onto a tooth.
How to Prevent White Discoloration on Your Teeth
Learning how to get rid of white spots on teeth is great, but the problem is preventable. Avoid dental discoloration by following these tips:
- Brush and floss your teeth daily
- Ensure your child only uses a pea-sized drop of toothpaste and spits after brushing their teeth
- Neutralize acids in your mouth by rinsing your mouth with water after eating
Turn to Westchase Smiles Institute for a Brighter Smile
At Westchase Smiles Institute, experienced and knowledgeable dentists know how to get rid of white spots on teeth and transform smiles. The team thoroughly examines the teeth of every patient regardless of age. They know how to determine the best cosmetic dentistry treatment to improve oral healt, leading to confident smiles.
Reach out to Westchase Smiles Institute today for more details about cosmetic dental services.
