The white spots on the teeth are quite frequent and we can observe them in both adults and children. They are stains that can be found in one or more teeth and in different areas of them.
Related content: Stains on the Teeth
In today's article we clarify the usual doubts about this problem, ranging from the different causes that cause them to possible solutions.
Why do white spots appear on the teeth ?: Possible Causes
There are 2 main causes that originate them, which we show you below:
Dentistry or decalcification
This problem refers to a significant reduction in calcium reserve that human beings have in our body, which obviously affects the hard tissues of the body, including teeth.
In the case of teeth, this lack of calcium causes them to become weak and at the mercy of mouth acids and bacteria that are present in the Oral Biofilm. The anterior elements combine to attack the tooth and destroy the natural enamel that covers them, giving rise to the appearance of the annoying white spots.
But what is even more concerning is that these white spots usually announce the appearance of cavitiesA risk that is intensified if the person brushes roughly that contributes to damaging the enamel or if, on the contrary, they have careless oral hygiene.
When this problem appears, it usually does where there is more accumulation of bacterial plaque, as for example in the birth of the tooth or in the grooves of the bases of the same.
Upon discovering them, the recommendation is go to the dentist immediately to take a step forward before the future appearance of cavities and thus stop the problem just in time.
Hypoplasias
Hypoplasias are those that appear due to a mineral deficiency during their training or by the abuse of external agents like fluorine.
The most common type of hypoplasia is infants after they have lost their baby teeth. Sometimes when the new piece appears it is possible that the stains come with it.
This occurs because during tooth formation there was no adequate mineralization, which directly affected the correct formation of the enamel, causing it to be less compared to a tooth that was formed normally.
The main reasons for demineralization to take place during tooth formation are: malnutrition, strokes, strong infections or high fevers.
The other type of hypoplasias is caused by fluorosis which refers to an excess in the consumption of fluoride through the application of Toothpaste, mouthwashes or fluoridated waters. The abuse of these substances that are indicated to prevent cavities can be counterproductive, since it makes the tooth itself unable to absorb fluoride and therefore become saturated, creating deposits that favor the appearance of white spots.
How to remove White Stains on Teeth?
There are several options, more or less effective, according to the causes that produce it:
Micro-abrasion
This treatment is very recommended in case of hypoplasias, since they are usually located in one or a few teeth. The procedure consists of remove the first layers of affected tooth enamel and replace it with a resin, completely solving the problem or improving it significantly.
Dental veneers
In the event that the problem is more severe and in several teeth, which can occur both due to decalcification and hypoplasia, you can resort to dental veneers which are fine porcelain prostheses that are delicately fixed on the tooth surface to improve its appearance, hiding the white spots.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is an option to treat those caused by hypoplasias, since although it does not eliminate them completely, it does hide them to a great extent providing a better dental appearance.
This procedure should always be done under the supervision of a professional and we must not resort to home methods of doubtful effectiveness that can even harm our oral health.
Topical Fluoride
Hypoplasias, sometimes, can be treated with appropriate doses of topical fluoride. This is applied on the teeth (creams, rinses) in order to help develop weakened tooth enamel. Responsibility in the application of fluoride is recommended.
How to prevent them?
White spots can be prevented and for this you must follow the following recommendations:
- To prevent these stains from appearing by descaling adequate calcium intake is important that keep not only your teeth in optimal condition but the rest of the hard tissues of the body.
- Una dental hygiene adequate and regular visits to the dentist They also help to keep tooth enamel in perfect condition and thus prevent those caused by decalcification that lead to tooth decay. It is especially important in case of orthodontics, which increases the risk of accumulating plaque.
- Secure a balanced diet rich in nutrients and minerals that help the correct formation of teeth and enamel in order to prevent white spots due to hypoplasias.
- Avoid tobacco use and reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages, to avoid any type of stains on the teeth.
