If you have looked in the mirror and seen white spots on the surface of your teeth, you may feel unhappy about their impact on your smile’s appearance. However, this discoloration could point to a larger dental problem.
Your dentist can help you resolve this oral health concern as well as restore the look of your teeth when you schedule a consultation. Though you may not feel pain or other alarming symptoms, your dental structure could be in danger if you notice this discoloration. Read on to learn more about these white spots and what they mean for your oral health.
Defining Hypocalcification
Creamy or chalky white spots on teeth can point to an issue called hypocalcification. This occurs when calcium, a major part of the tooth enamel, deteriorates.
The enamel refers to the outer shell of the tooth, which shields vulnerable interior layers from bacteria and other external threats. If enamel weakens, these threats can penetrate and cause infections, decay, and other dental issues. The white discoloration shows areas of the enamel that have already thinned and weakened.
Once the enamel erodes, it cannot regrow on its own. This highlights the importance of prompt evaluation and treatment of the issue if you spot this type of stain.
Treating Calcium Loss in Teeth
Though enamel cannot regenerate, your dentist can find ways to strengthen it. They may perform a fluoride treatment on the teeth.
Fluoride absorbs into the tooth and fortifies it, making it better able to resist cavities as well as surface stains. The dentist may also suggest using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride for further protection.
This treatment will not address the staining problem, however. Your dentist can find a cosmetic dental solution to get rid of the white spots. They will check your smile and find a treatment plan that works best with your unique dental needs.
They may use teeth bonding to even out your tooth color. The tooth-colored resin is applied and sculpted to the teeth to enhance their look according to your aesthetic goals.
Protecting Your Tooth Enamel
Calcium loss in the teeth can occur for reasons outside of a patient’s control, like medical conditions. In these cases, your dentist will work with you to find preventative dental methods to preserve your tooth enamel.
But hypocalcification may also occur due to consuming substances that hurt the enamel of your teeth. Sugary or acidic foods can eat away at the tooth enamel and cause this type of irreversible damage to your smile.
If you limit these foods from your diet, you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Proper oral hygiene habits can remove plaque from your smile before it erodes your tooth enamel too.
Continue seeing your dentist for routine teeth cleanings to make sure no plaque or tartar lingers on your teeth. If you have cosmetic concerns, such as tooth discoloration, you can ask your dentist about them during these visits as well.