Have you noticed creamy or chalky white spots on your teeth? This discoloration does not go away when you brush or floss your teeth. The spots can disrupt the look of your smile, but they could also point to a problem with your dental structure.
You can schedule an appointment with your dentist to amend dental discoloration. But your dentist will also evaluate your oral health in regard to this symptom as well. Read on to learn more about these white spots on teeth and what they indicate about your dental health.
What Is Hypocalcification?
When you have white spots that extend deeper beyond the surface of your teeth, this is likely a symptom of hypocalcification. This is a dental condition in which your teeth sustain a decrease in the amount of calcium in the enamel. Calcium is a large component of the tooth enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, so this issue points to major structural damage to your teeth.
The white spots indicate parts of the tooth that have weakened due to this calcium loss. Not only will this disrupt the appearance of your smile. But these spots designate vulnerable areas of the teeth that could be more susceptible to tooth decay and other dental dangers.
Hypocalcification might occur due to underlying health conditions. But it can also happen due to poor oral habits that cause dental damage. Either way, you will require treatment from your dentist to fix this issue.
How Can My Dentist Get Rid of White Dental Discoloration?
At-home efforts like your oral hygiene regimen will not get rid of white spots from hypocalcification. Your dentist cannot regrow lost enamel, but they can help you strengthen the remaining enamel to avoid further damage.
They can do this fluoride treatment applied in their office. The dentist uses a rinse or paste to administer fluoride to the teeth. The teeth absorb this mineral which will fortify the enamel to make it better resistant to cosmetic and structural harm.
But this preventative dental care will not address existing white discoloration on the teeth. You will need smile enhancement treatment to get rid of these stains.
One way the dentist can do this is through teeth bonding treatment. The dentist applies tooth-colored resin over the stains, sculpting it to cover discoloration to achieve a gorgeous, even look to the tooth. They may also give you porcelain veneers: cap-like shells that attach to the front of teeth to cover stains and improve the teeth’s appearance.
Can I Prevent White Spots Forming on My Teeth?
Sometimes hypocalcification occurs due to reasons outside of your control like genetics. So consult with your dentist for a personalized preventative dental care plan to protect the look of your smile.
You can protect your tooth enamel and dental structure in general by practicing good oral hygiene. This removes plaque from your teeth before it can eat away at your enamel, creating weak spots that may lead to discoloration.