When you say you want a whiter smile, you likely mean for it to be a uniform look. However, what if you notice bright spots on your teeth instead? Typically, discoloration leads to a yellow tint, so you may wonder what’s causing these kinds of patches. Thankfully, they usually aren’t anything to worry about, but here are several culprits for this flaw and what you can do about them.
Why Are There White Spots on My Teeth?
White spots on your teeth are often harmless, but there are several reasons why they might be showing up, such as:
- Dental Fluorosis: This condition develops in kids when they have overexposure to fluoride. It’s only a cosmetic concern and doesn’t affect health or function of the structure.
- Demineralization: Calcium and phosphorus make up the structure of your teeth, and when they are removed, it can lead to chalky white patches. The acid that bacteria in your mouth produce can do this.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This is when someone’s enamel doesn’t form properly, leading to thin or weak areas on a tooth. It can also only occur during childhood.
- Diet & Lifestyle Factors: Acidic foods, overindulging sugary items, and poor oral hygiene can cause these spots. They either weaken the top layer of your teeth or feed the plaque in your mouth. Braces can also contribute if you aren’t diligent with cleaning off debris.
What Can I Do to Get Rid of White Spots on My Teeth?
With several culprits for white spots on your teeth, you may wonder how you can figure out the cause for you. Thankfully, your dentist is here to help! They will check your teeth and then offer solutions to help rid you of this flaw.
If it’s minor, then you may get a professional whitening treatment. This service uses a high-quality bleaching gel that can brighten your grin by eight shades, helping even out the discoloration. If it’s a bit more severe, then dental bonding or veneers are effective at hiding the patches underneath them. For some patients, they may also choose microabrasion instead. This involves removing a tiny amount of enamel to reduce the spots.
In the end, having these small whiter areas on your teeth can make you feel self-conscious. By heading to your dentist, you can find out the reason behind them and fix them to get back to a confident smile that’s uniform.
About the Author
Dr. Ahn Vo earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He has taken over 150 hours of continuing education every year, helping him learn even more about a variety of treatments across the field. Dr. Vo is happy to help get to the bottom of the bright spots on your grin and fix them with reliable treatments like professional whitening. If you have this discoloration and want an effective solution, schedule an appointment or call his office at (469) 890-1199.