How do you know if you have a healthy smile? A bright and white smile may not always be indicative of good oral health. One common dental issue, known as white spot lesions, is characterized by small white spots that can appear on teeth. These begin to appear when your enamel loses minerals and are often the first signs of decay and other dental problems.
When white spot lesions are ignored and left untreated for a long time, they can turn into bigger issues. Some common causes of white spot lesions include using too much fluoride, not brushing enough or properly, and eating too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Fortunately, there are treatments available for the same.
If you have spotted these little white marks on the surface of your teeth, visit a dentist in Cary, NC, immediately. Your dentist may offer fluoride treatments or other dental work based on the nature of the problem. Some treatments can be done at home, but it is best to see a dentist to make sure the problem is correctly treated.
Causes and risk factors for white spot lesions
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Demineralization.
White spot lesions are opaque white spots that are found on the areas of demineralization on your teeth. One of the main causes of these lesions is demineralization. This may happen when your teeth lose important minerals like calcium and phosphate.
When you eat too many sugary or acidic foods and do not rinse or clean your mouth properly, they attack your enamel and make it weak. This can lead to the formation of these spots on your teeth.
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Orthodontic treatment.
White spot lesions can also be caused by orthodontic treatments. People with braces are at a higher risk for white spot lesions. This is because the brackets and wires make it difficult to clean all areas of your teeth.
When you do not clean properly, food and plaque can build up around these areas. This can result in acid attack on these specific uncleaned areas and lead to demineralization.
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Dietary factors.
A good diet is also very important. If you do not follow a good diet and eat a lot of acidic and sugary foods and drinks, it can increase the risk of white spots. It is important to know that sugars are fermented by bacteria, which produce acids in your mouth that attack your enamel.
However, acidic foods like lemon, soda, tomatoes, coffee, etc., can directly attack your enamel and make it weak.
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Poor oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene can also invite white spot lesions. Lack of brushing and flossing can lead to plaque, buildup of bacteria on your teeth, and acid production. This acid attacks the enamel and results in white spots.
Treatment options for white spot lesions
Non-invasive treatments
- Remineralization Therapy: This therapy uses fluoride varnishes, gels, or toothpaste to help restore minerals like calcium and phosphate to the affected area.
- Calcium-Phosphate Products: Calcium-phosphate products, such as casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), can also remineralize your enamel and reduce white spots.
- Dietary Changes: Reducing sugary foods and drinking more water can promote natural remineralization and protect your teeth from further damage.
Minimally invasive treatments
- Resin Infiltration: Resin infiltration, such as Icon, is a method where a special resin is used to penetrate the white spots and remove them. This can improve your tooth’s appearance without removing the enamel.
Invasive treatments
- Microabrasion: In this process, the dentists will remove a very thin layer of your enamel to reduce the white spots.
- Restorations: You can also get composite fillings or veneers to cover the spots and restore your natural look.
Concerned about white spot lesions on your teeth?
If you have started to notice white spot lesions forming on the surface of your teeth, schedule a dental consultation today!
