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White Spots
White Spots
Overview
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WHITE SPOTS ON TEETH AND WHAT THEY MEAN
Have you started to notice white spots on your teeth or your child’s teeth? White spots or discoloration on the teeth can be caused by numerous factors. This can include illnesses and infections, vitamin deficiencies, excess fluoride, and even trauma to the tooth. In many instances, these white spots are not hazardous to the health of your teeth, but they may make you may feel self-conscious. A dentist can examine your white spots and tooth discoloration in order to determine the best way to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Demineralization or Decalcification
Demineralization, also called decalcification is caused by excessive and long-term bacterial buildup in the mouth. The bacteria can attack sections of the enamel, which weakens it. As the enamel wears away, it can result in white or brown spots on the teeth. Since this type of tooth discoloration can lead to cavities, your dentist will need to examine them at each dental appointment.
TREATMENT PLAN
Observation is typically recommended for enamel that is being demineralized or decalcified. If there are no cavities, no treatment is needed other than an increase in the frequency of brushing and flossing. For both children and adults, it’s essential to brush the teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to prevent excess bacteria buildup on the teeth and the enamel. If a cavity does form in the discolored spot, the spot will be filled with a tooth-colored composite filling.
Enamel Hypoplasia or Turners Tooth
Enamel hypoplasia can cause white or brown spots on the teeth. It’s typically first noticed in childhood but can also appear in adulthood. This condition is caused by numerous factors, including lack of getting the proper nutrients in the diet, high fevers due to illnesses, smoking during pregnancy, and being a premature baby. Enamel hypoplasia can also be caused by some medications and even by trauma to the tooth. It is thought that individuals with enamel hypoplasia may be more prone to tooth decay in the areas of the white spots, for this reason, observation of those spots is often recommended.
TREATMENT PLAN
If enamel hypoplasia isn’t causing cavities or tooth decay, it doesn’t have to be treated. However, if the individual is self-conscious about the white or brown spots, teeth bleaching or whitening, microabrasion, which involves removing a thin layer of the discolored enamel, and veneers, which are thin wafers bonded onto the affected teeth, can be used to make the spots less noticeable.