3 Causes of White Spots on Teeth

Many things can leave stains on our teeth, and these stains can come in a variety of colors. Yellow and brown stains are the most common, but there can also be temporary stains from eating brightly colored candy. But what if your stains are white?

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

Below are three things that can contribute to the development of white spots on teeth:

1. Fluorosis – Surface stains sometimes appear on otherwise healthy teeth. One cause of these stains is fluorosis. This occurs when developing permanent teeth are exposed to too much fluoride. This won’t damage the teeth, but it will cause uneven bleaching, leaving white spots behind. Limit the amount of fluoride toothpaste for your family. A grain-of-rice amount of toothpaste for kids under two and a pea-sized dab for school-aged kids. 
2. Demineralization – Demineralization is a more harmful cause of white spots. Demineralization is the gradual leaching of calcium from the tooth enamel. Enough plaque buildup and acid exposure will eventually lead to demineralization. Prevent this problem by taking good care of your oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Severance Dental every six months. 
3. Enamel Hypoplasia – Lastly, an unlucky minority has white spots due to enamel hypoplasia, a condition that causes thinner tooth enamel than average. This weak enamel makes the teeth more susceptible to stains and tooth decay. 

If you or someone in your family is feeling self-conscious due to white spots on the teeth, please don’t hesitate to set up an appointment at Severance Dental. Our family dental office is located in Severance, Colorado.