If you notice creamy or chalky white spots on your teeth, you might feel unhappy about their impact on the way your smile appears. But these stains could point to a health concern as well as an aesthetic disruption.
Do not hesitate to let your dentist know about this issue. You could protect your dental structure as well as your smile’s appearance with prompt treatment from your dentist. Read on to learn more about these strange white spots on your teeth and how they impact your oral health.
What Causes White Tooth Discoloration?
White spots on your teeth can be a sign of calcium loss in the tooth enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Dentists refer to this issue as hypocalcification. Since calcium is a major component of enamel, its deterioration signifies a weakening of the tooth.
The discoloration indicates a thin portion of the enamel. This means that the spot is vulnerable, and plaque and bacteria can more easily penetrate and harm the tooth. You could suffer a greater risk of cavities and oral infections.
You cannot resolve this issue on your own, nor can you get rid of the white spots with your usual oral hygiene routine. Talk to your dentist if you notice this symptom so that you can receive treatment before further harm can come to your smile.
How Can My Dentist Treat Hypocalcification?
If you have hypocalcification, your dentist will want to restrengthen your teeth to address the issue. Once lost, enamel cannot grow back. But your dentist can fortify the remaining enamel through fluoride treatment.
Fluoride is a natural substance that absorbs into the enamel and makes it stronger. Your dentist can apply a treatment in their office. They may also suggest using mouthwash or toothpaste that contains fluoride as well for extra protection.
This may restore strength in the enamel, but you may need cosmetic dental work to get rid of the discoloration on your teeth. Your dentist can use dental bonding, a composite resin applied to the teeth, to even out your tooth color.
Can I Prevent Calcium Loss in Tooth Enamel?
In some instances, calcium depletion in the tooth enamel occurs due to an underlying medical condition. Your dentist can come up with a unique preventative treatment plan in this case.
However, calcium loss in the teeth can also happen when you consume acidic or sugary foods and drinks. These food items can eat away at the tooth enamel and cause this type of dental damage. You can limit these items in your diet to preserve the structure of your enamel.
Practicing good oral hygiene will also get rid of plaque and lingering food particles that could erode your smile as well. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque in a timely manner and keep your smile healthy and clean. Visiting your dentist for routine teeth cleanings is another important part of oral hygiene and preventative dentistry.