5 Causes of White Spots on Teeth

Have you ever noticed white spots on your teeth while brushing or flossing teeth and wondered how did it happen? Technically known as white spot lesions, it is a kind of discoloration that is not consistent and shows up as spots, marks or stripes. In this blog post we will discuss the potential causes and possible treatments for these white spots. White spot lesions can occur in all ages due to various reasons, some of the primary causes include:

  1. Dental Fluorosis: While there are numerous benefits of fluoride, but an overexposure of fluoride can cause discoloration that appears as white spots. The overexposure can be a result of drinking overly fluoridated water, taking fluoride supplements or swallowing toothpaste.
  2. A Low Calcium Diet: If you are not including foods rich in calcium in your diet it can result into appearance of white spots on your teeth.
  3. Enamel Hypoplasia: It is a tooth defect where the enamel does not form properly and as a result it is thinner than normal. The causes of this condition may be vitamin deficiency, medications given to mother during pregnancy or trauma to teeth.
  4. Bacterial Overgrowth: If you are not following a proper dental hygiene routine, there are high chances that your mouth may turn into a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause white spots, if not treated quickly it can result into tooth decay.
  5. Braces: If you had braces for a long time, discoloration may happen where the braces were glued to your teeth. Though it tends to disappear over time but poor dental hygiene may make it look more prominent.

If you notice these white spots and are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, do not hesitate to consult your dentist. There are numerous treatments to reverse the condition such as:

  1. Professional Teeth Whitening: You can choose from various options including enamel microabrasion or chemical bleaching that will help your teeth look whiter and also get rid of the spots.
  2. Porcelain Veneers: As we know dental veneers are the ultimate cover up to hide any kind of dental problem. So, if you want to hide those spots you can opt for veneers that perfectly match with the shade and shape of your natural teeth.