Children under the age of six can incur these spots too, and should therefore use only pea-sized amounts of fluoride toothpaste (make sure they don't swallow). The topical use of fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash is safe, but using excessive amounts, being unable to completely spit it out, or swallowing them is harmful. Dentists use special pastes that consist of phosphates and calcium molecules to treat the condition, re-harden the surface, and restore the bright look of the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia, however, may still have a more linear appearance. Smoothies, lattes, protein drinks, and shakes – Again, they are all-natural but still full of a lot of sugar. Soft tissue is very porous, so it is advisable to brush the tongue and the soft tissue around the tooth. Enamel demineralization in primary and permanent teeth. Every day, a certain amount of enamel is removed from the tooth structure, but every day, your body rebuilds it. White areas of decalcification are permanent, and the American Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD) confirms they do lead to decay if not kept clean. The Saudi dental journal. It is useful in removing white spots and other tooth discolouration effects caused by calcium deficit. Minimal tooth structure is removed to fit a veneer (less than a millimeter), explains the AACD, and the end result is natural-looking teeth that resist future stains. White spots on teeth are visible when areas of the teeth are either whiter or reflect light differently than the normal enamel, appearing chalky or dull. Floss regularly – Be sure to floss and clean interdental spaces once a … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893787/. This results in the excretion of acids and oxygen as by-products. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, American Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD). This affects the development of the permanent tooth, resulting in thin enamel. Hereditary dentine disorders: dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentine dysplasia. All rights reserved. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913523/. Monographs in oral science. Wang LJ, Tang R, Bonstein T, Bush P, Nancollas GH. Since mothers often transmit caries to their children, they need to practice good oral care. Horst JA, Tanzer JM, Milgrom PM. However, some foods have been shown to stop caries formation, such as peanuts and xylitol. Many of these snacks also seem to stick to the occlusal surfaces of teeth. Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar, not bound to any complex structures, and is thus easily digestible by the bacteria and absorbed into the tooth. It is caused by swallowing excessive amounts of fluoride. Smith CEL, Poulter JA, Antanaviciute A, et al. Fluoride toothpaste is commonly prescribed for treating white spots on teeth. Ask the Colgate Chatbot! As more tooth structure becomes available with the eruption of primary teeth, bacteria are able to colonize the oral cavity of the child. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2600777/. Role of sugar and sugar substitutes in dental caries: a review. This can be the result of demineralization or altered enamel composition. It's worth learning how to get rid of white spots on teeth and to choose a remedy that's best for you. Usually, a form of acidic gel and pumice are employed. If you have a low risk of decay, checkups should occur at 6-month intervals. Brush regularly – Brush twice a day for 2 minutes. Fluorides and Other Preventive Strategies for Tooth Decay. Published April 2018. If your tap water is fluoridated, and most are, check these levels and discuss the need for fluoride supplements with your dentist. For the safest results, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends either an in-office whitening procedure or a dentist-supervised, take-home kit. (4) They are also the easiest to stop or arrest before it becomes visible or needs treatment. Geetha Priya PR, John JB, Elango I. Turner’s hypoplasia and non-vitality: a case report of sequelae in permanent tooth. White spots on teeth can also form due to an accumulation of bacterial plaque. The most common factors that can be avoided or controlled to prevent white lesions on teeth are oral hygiene, precarious lesions, ingestion of fluoride, infection, trauma, and nutrition. (11). A microabrasion treatment on your teeth is a process that has similar results to teeth whitening, except the treatment is executed mechanically versus chemically. Solid foods: When looking at the risk of decay and what foods might lead to problems, it becomes necessary to look into not only the complexity of the carbohydrate but also the chewiness of the food. White spots or lesions on teeth can be classified based on their size and severity: White spots or lesions on teeth can be caused by the following. White spots or cavities can be removed by extractions, covered with sealants and restorations, or hardened with fluoride. Here are some options to discuss with your dentist: This procedure involves gently removing a thin layer of surface enamel, thereby improving the appearance of your teeth.