Do you live with white spots on your teeth? They could have formed when you were a child and you might not be sure what they are or where they came from. Even as a kid, you might have scrubbed and scrubbed and they still wouldn’t come off. White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. If you don’t have white spots, they can still happen. If you do have undesirable white spots, don’t worry! There are solutions on how to get rid of them.
So, what causes the whites spots to appear?
There are several reasons why white spots appear. First, white spots can appear due to poor dental hygiene. Forgetting to brush daily can actually cause white spots to appear. So, if you don’t brush regularly as a child or maybe you are forgetting to brush as an adult, this could be a cause of white spots. Next, certain foods and drinks can cause them, especially if they are acidic or sugary. These types of foods can damage the enamel of your teeth causing it to change in color. It is important to rinse after consuming these foods. Another cause of white spots is wearing dental braces for a long period of time. Last, there is something called dental fluorosis. This is being overexposed to fluoride while the teeth are developing as a child. This could happen to over-fluoride water or maybe swallowing too much toothpaste.
How can I prevent white spots from appearing?
The simple answer is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. It is important to brush and floss twice daily and to be sure you see your dentist every 6 months or every 4 months if you have periodontal disease. If you have children, make sure they use the proper amount of toothpaste and make sure they spit and swallow. This can be hard for children to grasp if the toothpaste is flavored. So be sure to supervise.
What are the treatment options?
Well, there are several options available to you or your child depending on how severe the case might be. We here at Smiles of Memorial offer:
- Professional Teeth Whitening – We offer whitening products that are stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.
- Veneers – Veneers are placed over your teeth and cover imperfections like white spots.
- Bonding – Bonding also is applied directly over the problem areas on your teeth.
- Resin Infiltration – This procedure helps diminish the appearance of white spots.
- Enamel Micro abrasion – When applied on the white spots, it can reduce the discoloration.
If you have white spots or are have concerns, reach out to us at Smiles of Memorial Of Houston – Viet Tran DMD and schedule your appointment today.