White spots on the enamel are actually pretty common but having them does not necessarily mean that your teeth are unhealthy. The tiny white marks on your teeth happen either when there was an issue during your tooth development or hypo calcification. Or there is an area of enamel decalcification or demineralization on your teeth.
Enamel hypo calcification means that when the crown of your teeth was still developing that enamel layer did not get a chance to fully form and left a white chalky mark instead. Again, this is a developmental defect and does not necessarily mean that your teeth are unhealthy.
Causes of White spots on teeth
The most common reason for enamel hypo calcification is dental fluorosis Fluoride is typically beneficial for cavity prevention and enamel strengthening, particularly in children. However, before the age of eight, the crown of permanent teeth is still forming, and consuming too much fluoride during this time period is harmful. It has the potential to cause dental fluorosis.
Other factors that can prevent enamel from fully forming during the development stages include
- A high fever
- Lack of vitamins
- A tooth fracture
- Smoking while pregnant.
If we talk about enamel decalcification. It can be seen in both children and adults can suffer from enamel decalcification. It indicates that the enamel is losing minerals and becoming soft. This is the first sign of tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of dental decay. Acid-producing bacteria thrive in the sticky plaque that forms on your teeth. These acids then erode your enamel, resulting in dental decay or cavities over time. If you do not brush and floss your teeth to remove plaque. You are increasing the chances of those bacteria producing acids and causing cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is the best way to remove plaque and prevent white spots.
Generally speaking, white spots on teeth don’t occur as frequently as dark discoloration. The enamel on teeth with white stains is showing signs of scarring or a compromised structure there, making it weaker than the enamel around it. It differs in appearance from the neighboring, healthy tooth structure as a result.
1. Opening Your Mouth While Sleeping
Some claim that when they first wake up in the morning, they can see white spots on their teeth. You’re more likely to notice them if you’ve been sleeping with your mouth open all night because they’re more noticeable when your teeth are dry. Some people snore, have sinus issues, or experience sleep apnea, which causes them to mouth breath.
Symptoms
How do you know if you’re breathing through your mouth while you sleep? Your mouth will typically feel dry and sticky when you first wake up, a condition known as “cotton mouth.” Even a sore throat is possible. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice when you look in the mirror at your teeth is that the areas where your enamel is thin have white spots on them.
Treatment
Cavities and halitosis are made more likely by dry mouth. Therefore, even if white spots in their enamel don’t bother them, the majority of people want to take action. Consult your doctor to decide the best course of action if you have a sinus infection or some other type of airway obstruction. Oral dryness can be decreased by using a lubricating mouthwash before bed (and avoiding alcohol).
2. How You Eat
After all, you are what you eat. You’ll notice more plaque and enamel erosion in your mouth if your diet contains more acids, processed carbohydrates, or artificial sweeteners. Oral hygiene should be practiced daily. Foods that tend to stay on your teeth for a long time, such as fruit snacks or caramel, will make those areas more vulnerable to developing white spots first.
Symptoms
Your diet consists largely of packaged, processed foods. The amount of time that food particles remain on your teeth can also be prolonged by eating frequently throughout the day as opposed to only at set times.
Treatment
Choose whole grains, fresh produce, and fluoridated tap water, and eat at regular intervals throughout the day. If you need a snack, brush your teeth afterward.
3. Braces
White spots are greatly increased by dental devices like brackets and wires. A thin layer of plaque will adhere to them and begin to eat away at the tooth in those areas if your oral hygiene isn’t up to par or you don’t thoroughly clean around all of your braces each day. Because of this, “white circles” might be common after your treatment is over and the braces are removed.
Symptoms
After the appliances are actually removed, white spots from braces are more noticeable. When you look at the teeth, you can see where the brackets were once bonded in because the enamel next to it has a white circle or partial circle scarred into it.
Treatment
Parents should assist their kids in thoroughly cleaning the area around their braces. It is also very beneficial to supplement with a fluoride gel or rinse of professional grade. Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush, water flosser, or angled proxy brush to clean between brackets to make cleaning around your braces easier. Even if your child prefers to brush alone, make an effort to periodically check behind them to make sure plaque hasn’t accumulated. To determine which areas aren’t being cleaned as thoroughly, ask your dentist or orthodontist for a few disclosing tablets.
4. Dry mouth
Lack of sufficient saliva flow to lubricate the inside of your mouth causes xerostomia (dry mouth). It’s a persistent issue for some people. Others only occasionally encounter it. However, if you don’t have enough saliva, plaque bacteria and acids can work nonstop. You, therefore, have a much higher chance of developing tooth demineralization (white spots on teeth).
Symptoms
It’s fairly simple to understand. When you wake up in the morning, your mouth feels dry and sticky, or you have a “cotton mouth.” Other signs, such as bad breath and increased plaque on your teeth, are likely to become apparent. Additionally, look for a filmy build-up on your tongue. You’ll probably notice an increase in the number of cavities on your teeth if dry mouth persists for an extended period of time.
Treatment
Determine the root of your dry mouth first. Consult your doctor about other options to try if it is related to medication. drinking alcohol before bed? Scale back. Cancer treatment? Include a moisturizing mouthwash or saliva substitute in your daily oral hygiene routine. Of course, drink enough amount of water throughout the day. Make sure the mint is sugar-free if you’re tempted to eat it. Even better is to chew some Xylitol-containing gum!
5. Medications
Specified medications, especially those taken while the tooth is still forming, can have an impact on the appearance of your teeth. Typically, a mother would be pregnant, nursing, or in the early years of a child’s life. Tetracyclines, for example, are known to cause serious internal stains that are bluish in colour. On the other hand, inhaled medications like albuterol can make tooth decay more likely. Asthmatics should be aware of the dangers because white spots are one of the first signs of cavities.
Symptoms
If medications have an effect on the appearance of your tooth, it is usually not noticeable until the tooth develops and erupts through the gums. Surface flaws are usually visible at this point. In contrast, medications inhaled or liquids swallowed may contribute to demineralization, eventually leading to white spots on teeth.
Treatment
Always consult your doctor before taking any medications. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, notify your doctor before beginning a new prescription. Adults and children who use inhalers or liquid medications should thoroughly rinse their mouths after each dose. It’s also a good idea to use a fluoride rinse every night before bed.
White spots on teeth can be avoided.
It is critical to practice good dental hygiene to avoid white spots on the teeth. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is part of this. Brush and rinse your mouth after each meal if possible. You should also floss every night and brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush designed to reduce plaque build-up.
A Waterpik aids in the removal of plaque that accumulates around brace brackets and between teeth. Your dentist may also recommend toothpaste designed to remineralize enamel and prevent white spots on your teeth.
Less sugar and acidic foods can also help to protect the enamel and prevent white spots. If you’re expecting a child, quit smoking to promote healthy tooth development.
Monitor your children as they brush their teeth to avoid excessive fluoride exposure in young children. They should not use too much toothpaste on their toothbrush, but rather a pea-sized amount.
Additionally, teach children not to swallow toothpaste while brushing their teeth. Monitor your child’s fluoride intake and, if necessary, reduce their number of daily beverages. Fruit juices, bottled water, and soft drinks all contain fluoride.
