If you are serious about your oral health, you probably notice even the smallest details. Maybe you have a crooked tooth or your gumline looks a little too high. Another issue that easily catches attention is discoloration. Besides yellow stains or dark flecks on your teeth, there are also white spots.
What are they, and why do they develop? Why should you get rid of them, and how?
In Chandler, AZ, answers are nearby. Impressions Dental is open and ready to provide you with the best in dentistry.
Why Do You Have These Lesions on Your Teeth?
These lesions show up for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Fluorosis: Fluoride protects your teeth by strengthening the enamel. However, too much of it causes fluorosis, which is when the enamel develops chalky spots.
- Demineralization: Bacterial plaque releases acids that result in the enamel losing important minerals, leaving behind pale, chalky areas.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This condition is when the enamel ends up thinner than normal after tooth formation due to genetics, vitamin deficiencies, or medications taken by a mother before birth.
Should You Worry About Those White Spots?
These spots are mostly a cosmetic concern. They can stand out against the natural shade of your teeth. Beyond affecting appearance, they indicate vulnerability to tooth decay. As such, Chandler dentists must know whether the spots are harmless or early warning signs that require extra care for your oral health.
Treating and Preventing
Fortunately, white spot lesions are treatable and sometimes even reversible. You can prevent them, too! What are the modern dentistry procedures dentists might suggest?
Enamel Microabrasion
This procedure removes a very thin layer of enamel to smooth out the spotted area and make it blend better with the rest of your tooth. Your dentist will use tools like a small rubber cup or a rotary mandrel for careful buffing.
Whitening
Safe bleaching agents brighten your teeth and reduce the contrasts. You may try over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpastes, or mouthwashes, but for the most reliable results, visit professional service providers around you.
Veneers
Dental veneers are custom-designed thin shells bonded over the front of a tooth. They cover stains and other cosmetic concerns. This procedure requires expertise and a budget; explore specials in practices close by.
Oral Hygiene Improvement
Sometimes, the best fix is not cosmetic procedures but changes in your daily habits. Brush and floss properly to address or avoid demineralization. It is also smart to check the fluoride levels in your tap water.
Dietary Adjustments
Acidic foods and beverages like soda, sports drinks, and citrus juices can gradually wear down the enamel, so cut back on those. Aim for a balanced diet rich in calcium! If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor and your dentist about medications and fluoride exposure.
Impressive Smiles with Impressions Dental
Your teeth are supposed to be white, but they should be white all over. Spots and patches are not the goal.
At Impressions Dental, Dr. Brigham Baker, DDS, believes every patient deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. As the most trusted general and cosmetic dentist in Chandler, AZ, he and his friendly team provide personalized, affordable care.
Call (480) 814-8888 today or schedule an appointment online.
References:
https://wemakekidssmile.net/what-causes-white-spots-on-kids-teeth/
https://fiddleheaddental.com/mysterious-white-spots-what-causes-them-and-how-to-eliminate-them
https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2019/11/white-spots-on-teeth
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23227-fluorosis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/enamel-hypoplasia
