Have you ever wondered what are those white spots on your teeth? Where did they come from? Or more importantly, is it possible to remove them?
Let’s take a close look at this dental problem and what can we do about it.
White spots on your teeth?
White spots on enamel are typically referred to as dental enamel hypoplasia or enamel hypomineralization. These spots appear as areas on the teeth that are whiter than the surrounding enamel. They are often a result of disruptions in the normal enamel development process during tooth formation.
But what is the enamel to start with?
Enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth and is considered one of the hardest and most mineralized substances in the human body. It’s primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure consisting of calcium and phosphate ions. Enamel forms a protective shell around the tooth, providing strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Despite its remarkable hardness, enamel is still susceptible to damage from factors like acidic foods, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. Enamel hypoplasia occurs when the enamel doesn’t develop properly due to various reasons, including:
Fluorosis: Excessive consumption of fluoride during tooth development can lead to enamel hypomineralization, resulting in white or brown spots on the teeth.
Early Childhood Caries: Severe tooth decay in early childhood can disrupt enamel development and lead to white spots on the teeth.
Illness or Fever: High fever or certain illnesses during tooth development can cause enamel hypoplasia.
Injury or Trauma: Trauma to developing teeth can affect enamel formation and cause white spots.
Genetic Factors: Some genetic conditions can lead to enamel defects and white spots on teeth.
Malnutrition: Poor nutrition, especially during tooth development, can impact enamel formation.
Medications: Certain medications taken during tooth development can affect enamel development and lead to white spots.
White spots on teeth can appear at various stages of life, but they are more commonly associated with specific age groups due to the underlying causes.
Here are the most common ages where white spots can appear:
Childhood: White spots on teeth are frequently observed during childhood. These spots can be a result of early childhood caries (tooth decay) or enamel hypoplasia caused by factors like illness, high fever, poor nutrition, or excessive fluoride intake. Children are particularly susceptible to dental issues due to their developing teeth and sometimes incomplete oral hygiene practices.
Adolescence: During adolescence, white spots might still be visible from childhood if they weren’t treated. Additionally, poor oral hygiene habits and dietary choices common among teenagers can lead to the development of new white spots due to tooth decay and enamel demineralization.
Adulthood: White spots can also appear in adulthood. Adults might develop white spots due to factors such as enamel demineralization caused by acidic foods, beverages, or medical conditions. Fluorosis-related white spots can continue to be visible in adulthood if excessive fluoride exposure occurs during the tooth development stage.
Post-Orthodontic Treatment: White spots can become apparent after orthodontic treatment, such as braces. These spots, known as “decalcification spots,” can develop if plaque and bacteria are not adequately removed from around brackets and bands. They are more likely to occur in adolescents and young adults who have difficulty maintaining thorough oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
Aging: As people age, the enamel on teeth naturally wears down, which can sometimes lead to the appearance of white spots. This might be due to the contrast between the more translucent worn enamel and the underlying dentin.
What can we do to address those spots?
The most effective ways to correct white spots on teeth depend on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s preferences. Here are some of the most effective treatment options:
Microabrasion: This procedure involves removing a thin layer of enamel to reduce the appearance of white spots. It’s particularly effective for superficial white spots that haven’t penetrated deep into the enamel.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth’s surface to mask the white spots. The resin is shaped and polished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding enamel.
Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They are highly effective for covering moderate to severe white spots, as well as other cosmetic imperfections.
Resin Infiltration: This newer technique involves using a special resin material to infiltrate and mask the white spots. It’s particularly effective for early-stage white spots and can improve their appearance.
Topical Fluoride Treatments: For cases of mild enamel demineralization, topical fluoride treatments can help remineralize the enamel and improve the appearance of white spots.
Removal and Replacement: In cases where the white spots are severe or the underlying tooth structure is compromised, a dentist might recommend removing the affected enamel and replacing it with a dental restoration like a veneer or crown.
The first step would be to evaluate your specific situation and determine the cause of the white spots, and from there recommend the most suitable treatment options.
