White spots on teeth how to remove
Before addressing white spots on teeth how to remove them, it is essential to understand what causes them. Some of the most common reasons are dental fluorosis, enamel demineralization, and enamel hypoplasia. In addition, poor dental hygiene can also contribute to the appearance of these stains
What are white spots on teeth?
White spots on teeth can be due to several causes, such as dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, poor dental hygiene, and eating too many acidic or sugary foods.
Although people may view white spots on teeth as undesirable, they are rarely a serious cause for medical concern.
In this article, we look at the reasons why these spots may appear and tips to treat and prevent them.
What are white spots on teeth in children?
White spots on the teeth in children, or molar incisor syndrome, usually appear on the incisor teeth or first permanent molars. It is characterized by the appearance of small chalk or cream-colored spots on children’s teeth and alters not only the aesthetics but also the health of the enamel due to a lack and loss of quality of the minerals that form it.
Therefore, white spots on children’s teeth favor the weakening of enamel, increasing the possibility of suffering from cavities and tooth sensitivity that cause discomfort in the mouths of children.
Why do white spots appear on teeth?
1. Poor oral hygiene
Poor dental hygiene means that plaque wreaks havoc on the mouth. Enamel is one of the first affected, and white spots are a warning sign indicating the presence of cavities.
There is a false myth that attributes the appearance of white spots on teeth to orthodontics, and in particular, braces are blamed. Nothing is further from reality.
The spots appear due to poor cleaning. Although brushing with braces is more delicate than normal hygiene, they are not responsible for this type of anomaly.
In this sense, transparent aligners are proclaimed as an effective and easy-to-use solution, since the removable splints allow for uncomplicated oral hygiene.
2. Hypoplasia
Hypoplasia occurs in the period of formation of permanent teeth when the mineralization and amount of enamel are not sufficient.
The teeth have less enamel than usual, causing brown and white spots, lines, and grooves.
3. Incisor-molar hypomineralization (HIM)
Incisor-molar hypomineralization is an enamel defect that occurs during its formation process, altering its quality. , but not its thickness (as occurs in hypoplasia). Normally, it affects the molars and permanent incisors.
White spots usually appear when he is mild.
4. Poor diet – Decalcification:
A deficient diet can lead to calcium deficiencies. White spots on your teeth are only a warning sign.
5. Fluorosis:
Fluorosis is caused by an excess of fluoride during the tooth formation phase. This stage occurs between nine months and three years.
If age-specific products are not used when brushing children’s teeth, excess of this mineral can cause milky spots to appear.
Hence the importance of using toothpaste suitable for their age when children brush their teeth.
6. Lack of fluoride:
Stains can appear not only due to excess fluoride but also due to lack of fluoride. If there is a deficiency, specific treatment with fluoride will make these spots disappear.
It is advisable to use toothpastes that contain it to strengthen tooth enamel.
7. Celiac disease:
People with celiac disease may suffer from the appearance of these white spots due to their disease.
8. Medications:
The composition of certain medications causes white spots to appear on the teeth. In general, they are difficult to remove with whitening. Hence, veneers are proclaimed as the ideal solution.
Types of spots teeth
There are several types of stains on teeth. These can be of various types depending on the cause that originated them.
Black spots:
The black spots that we sometimes see on the teeth are due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque in areas where hygiene is not adequate or is more difficult.
Bacterial plaque is normally white, but when there is no effective brushing and we do not go to our regular visits to the dentist, this bacterial plaque can solidify, darken, and adhere to the tooth in the form of tartar, giving rise not only to unsightly stains. , but also to dental health problems, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
The best way to eliminate it is to do a personalized gum treatment for each patient.
Brown spots:
They are very unsightly and their origin is usually related to the consumption of tobacco and coffee/tea. The result of teeth whitening will depend on the initial tone of the teeth. These are usually superficial stains, so they are easier to remove.
Yellow spots:
The most common thing is that these stains are caused by the consumption of acidic foods such as lemon, orange, lime, vinegar, etc.
These foods erode the tooth enamel, which becomes thinner and exposes the dentin, which is yellow.
These yellow spots can also occur due to the use of tetracyclines. Tetracyclines are an antibiotic used to treat respiratory, urinary system, or stomach infections, as well as dermatological problems such as acne.
White spots:
White spots on teeth are usually caused by a loss of mineral content in the enamel. Usually, they indicate that there is decalcification in certain areas. But the reasons why they appear are diverse.
*Poor oral hygiene
*A deficient diet poor in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium
*Cavities
*Celiac disease
*Excess fluoride in the tooth formation stage leads to fluorosis.
What causes white spots on teeth?
You should know that there are different types of white spots on teeth depending on their cause or origin.
Calcium deficiency or decalcification
The lack or loss of this mineral affects tooth enamel and can lead to white or brown spots. Later, these discolorations promote the appearance of cavities.
When they arise in adulthood, they are related to some pathologies (chronic gastrointestinal, autoimmune, hormonal, etc.) or the excessive accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. These pathogens attack the enamel and progressively damage it.
Here are the different reasons why white spots appear on the teeth in their different stages:
(1) During tooth formation:
*Dental fluorosis: It is a disease caused by excessive intake of fluoride, therefore, it depends on the dose, duration, and period of administration of the ingested fluoride. The accumulation of fluoride in the teeth causes an alteration of the enamel surface and the appearance of whitish spots.
*Enamel hypoplasia: Refers to an alteration that occurs during tooth growth.
*Enamel hypo calcification: It consists of a lack of minerals in the tooth.
*Dental trauma or infections: They appear while the enamel is forming and affect its matrix or mineralization.
(2) After tooth formation:
*Poor dental hygiene: Poor brushing leads to the formation of dental plaque, which can cause white spots to appear on the lower part of the teeth.
*Acidic or sugary foods: The presence of acids on the enamel surface is caused by the frequent consumption of acidic or sweet foods that are metabolized by microfilm bacteria, producing whitish spots on the teeth.
Whatever the origin, it is important to undergo white spot treatment to avoid the appearance of possible ailments that will undoubtedly affect your functionality while carrying out your daily activities.
Main causes of the white spots on teeth
White spots on the teeth are very common when children are still young and are usually due to low mineralization in the teeth during their formation, an excess of fluoride, bumps, cavities, or other damage to the enamel.
White cavities
Cavities in their early stages can also manifest as white spots on the teeth. They tend to advance more quickly than when they are dark, causing the tooth enamel to also deteriorate sooner. It is important to go to the dentist as soon as possible to identify whether or not it is a cavity to avoid further damage to the teeth.
Tooth wear
As time goes by, tooth enamel wears down and weakens to such an extent that white spots may appear on your teeth. This is a sign of deterioration and its solution varies depending on the severity of these stains.
What causes white spots on children’s teeth?
Although it is unknown with certainty what is the main cause that causes the appearance of white spots on the teeth in children, various factors can indeed influence:
*Incomplete dental hygiene: causes a greater accumulation of bacterial plaque (tartar) that affects the health of teeth and gums, favoring the development of diseases such as cavities.
*Fluorosis: Although fluoride is beneficial in preventing cavities, excessive intake can cause damage to tooth enamel, leading to what is known as dental fluorosis, which manifests itself with small white spots on the teeth.
*Hypoplasia: the lack of mineralization of the enamel can also cause the appearance of white spots on the teeth in children.
*Medications: another cause is the intake of some medications during the first year of life, tetracycline being one of the drugs most related to this problem.
Types of white spot treatment
The choice of the type of white spot treatment should be made based on the characteristics of the patient’s teeth. That is, according to how advanced the problem is. The most used methods are the following:
*Application of fluoride or hydroxyapatite: It does not represent a definitive solution because it only helps reduce the whitish stains on the tooth, however, it helps treat the problem.
*Teeth whitening: It consists of a treatment of white spots that acts on these conditions to eliminate them, although it can also be used for general teeth whitening.
*Microabrasion treatment: It is carried out when the stain is superficial and consists of briefly abrading the enamel, using abrasive substances.
*Treatment with a dental restoration: It is the most applied method when the stain is deep. The procedure consists of performing a composite restoration after having removed the stain.
In recent years, another method has appeared that is feasible in both children and adults: resin infiltration. This treatment allows the tooth to regain its full color. To do this, the dentist makes the surface of the teeth porous using an acid and then applies an invisible resin, which applies superficially and does not represent any danger to the enamel. This resin allows the filling of the demineralized areas of the tooth, thus hiding the presence of white spots.
Read more: Different types of teeth whitening procedures
White spots on teeth how to remove
There are several possible treatments for white spots on teeth. The suitability of these treatments may depend on the underlying cause of the white spots and the condition of the person’s teeth.
1. Enamel microabrasion
Some people may undergo microabrasion to treat their white spots. During this procedure, a dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the teeth to reduce the appearance of white spots.
This professional treatment is usually followed by teeth whitening, which can make teeth more uniform in color.
2. Whitening or discoloration of teeth
Whitening or bleaching can help reduce the appearance of white and other spots. There are a variety of teeth whitening products, such as strips and paste, available without a prescription.
People with white spots can also visit a dentist for professional dental aesthetics and whitening treatments. These treatments tend to use stronger whitening solutions than those available over the counter, which may make them work better.
3. Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin, protective coverings that adhere to the front surface of a person’s teeth. They can hide white spots and other imperfections very effectively.
Dental veneers can only be purchased from a dentist and must be placed by a professional. This can make them expensive.
4. Topical fluoride
The dentist may apply topical fluoride to the teeth of people with enamel hypoplasia. This can encourage the development of enamel on your teeth and help prevent cavities.
5. Composite resin
For people with enamel hypoplasia, the dentist may apply composite resin to fill cavities and bond the outer enamel of the teeth. This may not be suitable if people have a large number of white spots on their teeth.
How to remove white spots on teeth naturally
Here we present some effective home remedies to remove white spots on teeth naturally:
Did you know that it is possible to remove white spots on teeth using home remedies? If you are looking for a natural solution to improve the appearance of your smile, you are in the right place. In this article, we will show you how to remove white stains from your teeth naturally and effectively. Keep reading and discover how to have a radiant smile without spending a lot of money or using chemicals.
Baking soda and water
Baking soda is a common ingredient in toothpaste and can help remove white spots on your teeth. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to shape a paste. Apply this paste to your teeth and brush gently for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse well with water. Repeat this process two or three times a week for best results.
Apple vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another effective home remedy to remove white spots on teeth. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in half a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after using apple cider vinegar to avoid damage to your tooth enamel.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties and can help remove white spots on your teeth. Simply apply a teaspoon of coconut oil on your teeth and rinse your mouth with it for 10-15 minutes. Then, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat this process daily for best results.
Read more: Top 15 teeth whitening pens and pencils
How to prevent white spots on teeth
In addition to using home remedies, it is essential to follow a good dental hygiene routine to prevent the appearance of white spots on your teeth.
Here are some recommendations:
Brush your tooth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss day by day to cast off plaque and meal particles from between your teeth.
Visit the dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.
Following the following tips can help prevent the appearance of white spots on children’s teeth:
Use fluoride-free water:
For babies who are primarily formula-fed, preparing their formula with fluoride-free water can help prevent excessive fluoride buildup on their teeth.
Use the right amount of toothpaste:
For children under 3 years of age, ensure that no more than a small amount of toothpaste, or an amount the size of a grain of rice, is used on the toothbrush.
For children over 3 years old, caregivers should make sure they use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Young children don’t usually spit out toothpaste, so using a small amount can help reduce their overall fluoride exposure.
Analyze the water if you are in a rural area and it is from the well:
People should consider having their water tested for fluoride levels annually if their homes are connected to private wells. This policy is vital for anyone with young children, as natural fluoride levels can vary greatly in different locations.
Follow fluoride supplement recommendations:
The use of fluoride supplements in the diet is recommended for children between 6 months and 16 years who live in areas without fluoridated water and are at high risk of developing cavities. These supplements should only be used if prescribed by a doctor or dentist.
Reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks:
Tooth enamel can be damaged and the risk of cavities is increased by some foods and drinks, especially those high in sugar or acids.
Among the foods and drinks that must be taken into account are the following:
*juices and citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, lemons and oranges
*Hard candies and other sugary sweets
*soft drinks and other beverages high in sugar, including sports drinks
Although occasionally consuming these foods and drinks can be harmless, eating too much or too much of them can cause damage and stains, including white spots.
Drinking water after consuming these foods can help remove them from your teeth and reduce the chances of damage. Drinking through a straw can also help.
Dentists can help prevent and remove white spots in teeth
Anyone concerned about their, or their child’s, dental health should speak to a dentist.
Although white spots on teeth may be undesirable, they are not usually a cause for concern. However, people with enamel hypoplasia may be at higher risk for dental damage and cavities.
Visiting your trusted dentist at least 1 or 2 times a year will help you keep your days healthy.
Read more: Teeth whitening with LED light
How to get rid of white spots on teeth
Several methods can help you remove white spots on your teeth. Some of the most effective are:
Microabrasion:
Microabrasion is a procedure that removes stains by applying an abrasive solution to the surface of tooth enamel. This treatment should be performed by an experienced dentist.
Teeth whitening:
Teeth whitening is another popular method for removing white spots. It consists of applying a whitening agent to the teeth to even out the tone of the enamel. It is important to consult a dentist before undergoing teeth whitening treatment.
Home treatments:
Some home remedies can help reduce the appearance of white spots. However, it is important to remember that these methods do not offer guaranteed results and should be used with caution.
Conclusion:
Removing white spots on your teeth is essential to maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. Knowing the causes of these stains and how to treat them properly will allow you to enjoy a radiant smile free of imperfections. Don’t forget to follow dental care recommendations and see an experienced dentist or prosthodontist to receive the best possible treatment.
Read more: Best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and whitening
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