How many times have you seen beautiful smiles diminished by white, chalky spots on the tooth surfaces? These white spots are often considered an aesthetic issue, though they can sometimes have other consequences.
White spots represent areas of weaker mineralization of the tooth enamel. These areas are porous and less resistant to cavities as well as pressure during chewing. Additionally, due to reduced mineralization, the tooth surface reflects light differently than a healthy enamel, and consequently it makes the white spots more or less noticeable. We will discuss these spots in more detail below.
Causes of white spots on teeth
White spots can appear for a variety of reasons. Some may be genetic, in which case nothing can be done to prevent their development. These spots can occur on both primary and permanent teeth, on some or all teeth, and they are usually asymptomatic. They may be visible when teeth first erupt or they can develop later on.
One common cause of white spots is poor enamel maturation during tooth formation and eruption, while on primary teeth, these white spots often indicate early-stage cavities. The spots result from mineral loss from the outer layer of the tooth, which, if it progresses, can easily weaken the structure and lead to cavities. At the stage when white spots are visible, the process can still be stopped through remineralization (replacing lost minerals).
In the following paragraphs, we will explain several reasons for the formation of white spots on teeth.
Poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, bacteria, and acids
The earliest stage of cavity formation appears as white, chalky changes on the tooth surface caused as a consequence of acids produced by bacteria feeding on carbohydrates. To prevent cavities in this early stage, when lost minerals can still be replenished, oral hygiene must be improved, and fluoride treatment is often used.
Areas of reduced mineralization can also occur due to dry mouth, where a lack of saliva prevents pH regulation in the mouth, which naturally favors the growth and development of bacteria.
The causes of the appearance of white spots on teeth can also be related to diet. An excessive intake of acidic drinks, citrus fruits, or high sugar intake can also lead to development of white spots. Conversely, a reduced intake of certain minerals that are an essential part of a balanced diet, such as calcium, can also result in these chalky white spots.
Fluorosis
Excessive fluoride intake in the diet or supplements during tooth development is another cause of white spots, even though fluoride is highly beneficial for teeth when used in the right quantities. Fluorosis mainly affects children, as their smaller bodies have a lower tolerance for fluoride. This is why all fluoride toothpastes advise close supervision of children while they’re brushing their teeth. However, as we have previously mentioned, fluoride in proper doses is essential for dental health, particularly during childhood, therefore it is very important to check whether your child is taking the appropriate amount of fluoride.
Enamel decalcification
Enamel decalcification often occurs during or after wearing braces. Inadequate or poor oral hygiene leads to plaque accumulation around the orthodontic brackets, resulting in chalky changes in the enamel that signal early-stage cavities.
Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization
Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental condition affecting the enamel of the first molars and incisors. This condition causes damage to the enamel, leading to yellow-brown or white spots during tooth eruption, usually around the age of six. Molars are more frequently affected than incisors. The enamel in these teeth is softer and more porous, making it highly susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria. In addition to the aesthetic concerns, MIH-affected teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold stimuli.
How to remove white spots
Until recently, the only effective solution for these changes on the teeth involved invasive methods, such as removing the affected tooth material, after which it was necessary to make large composite fillings or ceramic veneers.
Luckily, we now offer a modern, non-invasive treatment called ICON, which effectively, safely, and painlessly removes the white spots from teeth. The ICON white spot treatment allows us to eliminate these changes in just 30 minutes, restoring the tooth’s natural translucency and uniformity.
The ICON product, based on composite resins, penetrates deeply into the porous enamel and strengthens its structure. Most importantly, this is a non-invasive method that poses no risk of damaging the natural tooth structure.
If white spots on your teeth prevent you from smiling the way you’d like, we can help identify the cause and gladly resolve the problem.
For more information or to book a check-up appointment, please contact us:
+387 62 211 100
+387 33 866 233
*Visit our Facebook page for an ongoing giveaway. The lucky winner will receive a free white spot removal treatment. Learn more about the giveaway on our Facebook page.
