You’ve had a white spot on one of your front teeth for as long as you can remember. As far as you can tell, it hasn’t caused any problems besides just being an eyesore in your opinion. What exactly causes these annoying white spots? Keep reading to learn the answer, and whether dental fluorosis treatment in Norwalk can help you.
What Causes White Spots?
The most common reason that people develop these white spots is from dental fluorosis. This condition usually develops in childhood as a result of accidentally ingesting too much fluoride. It’s a normally harmless condition that tends to only develop before the adult teeth have broken through the gums.
Another cause for white spots is called enamel hypoplasia, which occurs when your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) does not form properly. Much like dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia only happens when the permanent teeth are still developing. However, it can increase your risk of tooth decay when you’re older.
Other reasons for white spots on teeth include eating too many sugary or acidic foods and poor oral hygiene, especially when wearing braces.
Treatment Options
Because white spots on teeth are so common, there are multiple ways to treat the condition, such as:
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain coverings that are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can easily conceal white spots and other aesthetic imperfections in your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Maybe you’ve tried store-bought whitening kits to try and rid your tooth of the white spot, but to no avail. Not to worry; your cosmetic dentist in Norwalk offers a bleaching treatment that’s several times more potent than anything you can find elsewhere. This can even out the brightness of your teeth so that your white spot is no longer visible.
Direct Bonding
Your dentist can apply a composite resin to the spots on your teeth. This material can be matched to your existing tooth enamel so as to make your white spot blend in.
How to Keep from Getting White Spots
Here are a few methods that may keep you from developing white spots in the future:
- Make up your baby’s formula with fluoride-free water, like bottled water.
- Don’t use too much toothpaste for you or your child.
- Reduce your intake of acidic and sugary foods and drinks, especially if you have braces.
White spots on your teeth might be unsightly, but your dentist has ways of removing them and bringing out the full potential of your smile. If you have one on your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist and ask about treatment options!
About the Author
Dr. Norman Sommers graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1996. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the North Central Ohio Dental Society. His practice offers all the cosmetic options listed here to help you treat those pesky white spots on your teeth. To get started, you can contact Dr. Sommers’ office at (419) 668-3606.
