Do Your Teeth Have White Spots? Know These Things About Them
Have you noticed that your teeth have white spots on them, and you're unsure of what they are or why they formed? When you see one of those white spots on your teeth, it is typically a sign that you have weakened enamel or some other issues going on with your oral health. Here are a few things that you should know about them.
White Spots Can Be Caused By Poor Oral Health With Braces
A common reason to have white spots is due to poor oral hygiene while wearing braces. It's crucial that you brush and floss around your braces so that you get rid of the plaque that is stuck around the edges. This can actually cause those white circles to form, which will not be noticeable until after you have your braces taken off. This is due to demineralization, which can happen as one of the first stages of tooth decay. It can cause the enamel to turn white in the early stages of demineralization before the teeth become black from decay.
Of course, white spots can also form due to not taking good care of your teeth for those without braces. If you brush and floss irregularly, all it will take is a buildup of plaque on a specific part of your teeth to cause a white spot to form.
White Spots Can Be Caused By Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another cause of white spots since a lack of saliva in your mouth can cause plaque and bacteria to do more damage inside your mouth. This increases the risk of demineralization, so you need to research the cause of dry mouth so it can be treated.
White Spots Can Be Caused By Fluorosis
Know that another cause of white spots is a rare condition known as fluorosis. This is when someone ingests a significant amount of fluoride while the teeth are developing. This only can happen when a child is really young and is not possible with adults. It can occur from a child ingesting too much toothpaste or drinking a lot of water with very high levels of fluoride in it.
White Spots Can Be Treated With Fluoride
Demineralization is one of the early forms of tooth decay, and it can actually be reversed if you act quickly. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash, either over-the-counter or prescription-strength, to help prevent it from getting worse. You won't really make the white spots go away, but you'll prevent the spots from getting darker and turning into a full-blown cavity.
For more information on general dentistry, contact a professional like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.
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