Dental professionals present a variety of services to patients that improve their oral health. Signs of dental problems include white spots that appear on the tooth enamel. When the spots appear, it could indicate underlying problems that require the dental professional to provide treatments. By understanding the possible causes of white spots on the teeth, you can determine whether it’s time to see a dentist.
How your diet contributes to white spots
Patients that consume more acidic foods could develop white spots on their teeth. The issue is that acidic foods will damage the tooth enamel and prevent it from protecting the teeth. To combat these effects, decrease the number of acidic foods you eat every day.
Sugary snacks and high-fat diets can cause the white patches to appear too. When examining your mouth, the dentist will ask about your diet and make suggestions about how to decrease the risks of tooth and gum damage.
Lifestyle changes could help protect the tooth enamel. You can easily schedule an appointment with a Dentist Near Me if you notice white spots on your teeth.
Too much fluoride
Children who consume too much fluoride could develop white spots on their teeth. This could happen if there is too much fluoride in their water supply, or if the child undergoes too many fluoride treatments.
It is not typically dangerous for the child, and it will not cause any difficulties with their teeth or health. However, they could develop white spots on their teeth because of the high than average fluoride on their teeth.
Tooth enamel abnormalities
Tooth enamel abnormalities could present a risk of white spots on the teeth too. Dentists identify enamel hypoplasia as the main cause of the white spots.
The abnormality is a decrease in the amount of enamel on the teeth to protect them from damage. Patients who have celiac disease or certain gastrointestinal diseases are most likely to develop the condition. They will need to undergo tooth repairs more often as an adult if the enamel doesn’t protect the teeth properly.
Plaque buildup and white spots on teeth
Plaque buildup is detrimental to the teeth and increases the risk of cavities and severe tooth damage. It can also negatively affect self-confidence, so seeing a dentist can be part of improving your look to feel better about yourself.
Dental professionals recommend undergoing at least two dental cleanings each year to remove additional plaque and buildup on the enamel. Dentists recommend ways to eliminate plaque and buildup, including brushing and flossing up to three times a day.
Dehydration of the tooth enamel
The dehydration of the tooth enamel can also cause white spots to develop on the teeth. This can happen in patients who sleep with their mouths open.
If you have untreated sleep apnea, you are likely to sleep with your mouth open when your airway becomes obstructed. Smoking also presents a big risk of developing sleep apnea and dry mouth. Both conditions can lead to dehydration of the tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth damage.
Dental professionals complete a variety of services to strengthen the teeth and prevent gum disease. However, these are not the only conditions that could indicate problems.
White spots on the teeth could indicate a variety of conditions that may require dental services to correct. If you notice white spots on your teeth, schedule an appointment to find out the cause of the sudden development.
I have never heard about white spots on teeth indicating something wrong. It is always fun learning something new. Thanks, Christy!
Your comment has me smiling :)
Interesting! Just like Chinese people looking into nails to read about one’s health.
Ohhhh the fingernails say a lot about your health! Makes sense!
☺️
:)
Wonderful post, Christy. Very informative
Wishing you good health, Leyla!