West Chester residents who are concerned about white spots on their teeth should always consult with their dentist. The good news is that although there are a number of different reasons for white spots on teeth, they are generally not serious from a medical standpoint. But if you are sensitive about them, here are the possible causes and treatments for them.
Reasons You Might Have White Spots On Your Teeth
One of the most common causes is “dental fluorosis.” This can be caused by taking in excess fluoride as a child. The condition itself is harmless.
Another reason for white spots is “enamel hypoplasia.” This means that a person’s tooth enamel hasn’t formed properly. Like dental fluorosis, this also happens in childhood.
Other reasons include poor oral hygiene and eating too many foods that are acidic or sugary.
What to Do About White Spots On Your Teeth
You can talk to your dentist about the how to remove these white spots, including:
- Enamel microabrasion, which removes a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make the white spots less noticeable.
- Teeth whitening, which will improve the overall whiteness of your teeth and oral hygiene.
- Veneers, which is a cosmetic treatment that will fully camouflage any imperfections. Veneers are wafer-thin, translucent tooth covers that adhere to the front of your teeth, giving you a perfect smile.
How to Prevent White Spots From Forming On Your Teeth
As always, practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent white spots from forming on your teeth as well as other yellow or brown stains. It will also help keep your gums healthy. Because white spots often develop before the age of 10, it’s crucial that you encourage your kids to have good brushing and flossing habits from an early age.
If you have concerns about white spots or any other oral health matter, talk to your dentist in West Chester, Joel R. Koch, DDS. We look forward to seeing you!