
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth
Noticing white spots on teeth can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been brushing regularly. These white marks on teeth, also called teeth decalcification, happen when minerals like calcium are lost from the enamel, weakening your teeth. The good news? With the right steps, you can reduce or even prevent white spots from appearing. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes tooth decalcification and how to treat and prevent decalcification of teeth, especially in children.
What Causes White Spots on Teeth?
White spots on teeth happen when enamel decalcification occurs. This means the protective layer of your teeth loses calcium and other essential minerals, causing white marks or patches to form. Here are a few common causes:
Plaque Buildup
When plaque sticks to your teeth for too long, it can cause dental decalcification. Plaque is full of bacteria, and if it’s not cleaned off properly, it can slowly eat away at the enamel, leading to decalcification on teeth.
Braces Decalcification
Wearing braces can make it hard to keep your teeth clean. Plaque often builds up around brackets and wires, causing braces decalcification, which results in decalcified teeth once the braces are removed.
Diet
Eating sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decalcification. These foods can weaken your enamel and lead to calcium spots on teeth. High-sugar foods and sodas are especially harmful.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing properly is one of the main reasons decalcified enamel occurs. Without good oral hygiene, plaque and bacteria remain on your teeth, causing white spots on teeth over time.
Fluorosis
In some cases, too much fluoride during childhood can cause white marks on teeth, a condition called fluorosis. While fluoride helps protect teeth, too much can lead to dental decalcification in younger kids.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth
Getting rid of white spots on teeth isn’t always easy, but there are steps you can take to reduce their appearance and prevent them from getting worse.
1. Improve Oral Hygiene
The most important step is keeping your teeth clean. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and don’t forget to floss! This helps remove plaque, which is the main culprit behind decalcification of teeth.
2. Professional Dental Cleanings
Regular cleanings at your children’s dental clinic can help get rid of plaque buildup and stop further decalcification on teeth. Your children’s dentist can also spot early signs of dental decalcification and treat it before it becomes a bigger issue.
3. Remineralization
Remineralization is the process of restoring minerals to your teeth. Fluoride treatments or toothpaste can help strengthen decalcified enamel, preventing more calcium spots on teeth from forming.
4. Cosmetic Treatments
If you already have white spots on teeth, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneers can help improve the appearance of your smile. In some cases, your dentist might recommend microabrasion, a process that removes a small amount of enamel to get rid of the white spots.
How to Prevent White Spots on Teeth
Preventing white spots on teeth starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here’s what you can do:
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and floss daily to remove food particles that can cause tooth decalcification.
2. Use Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent enamel decalcification and keeps your teeth strong. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments.
3. Healthy Diet Choices
Eating sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decalcification. These foods can weaken your enamel and lead to calcium spots on teeth. High-sugar foods and sodas are especially harmful.Eating a balanced diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods, like milk and cheese, can help protect your teeth from decalcification on teeth.
4. Regular Dental Checkups
Visit your children’s dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist can apply fluoride treatments or sealants to protect your child’s teeth from dental decalcification.
FAQs About White Spots on Teeth
Conclusion: Treating Tooth Decalcification in De Pere, Wisconsin
By following these steps and keeping up with good oral hygiene, you can help prevent and treat white spots on teeth. If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a children’s dental clinic for expert advice and care. At Kids Dental Experts, we’re here to make every child’s dental visit as smooth and positive as possible, giving your child the foundation they need for great oral health.