Any time you have something on your teeth that you wish was not there, you hesitate to laugh, talk, or eat in public. Whether teeth are misshapen, stained, or missing, your family dental provider can offer solutions to make your smile bright again.
White spots on teeth can be just as distracting as dark stain. Teeth actually form in the womb; so many of the issues we face are the result of genetics. While many of the problems with our teeth can be attributed to diet or lifestyle, some are not. However, there are solutions to any problem, and white spots are no exception.
White spots might be due to a mineral imbalance. Unfortunately, you don’t realize this problem exists until a symptom presents allowing for a correction.
Tooth discoloration might also be due to excessive fluoride intake. This doesn’t happen because of water consumption; rather it might occur if fluoride supplements are taken when not needed. The water supply throughout the country is treated with fluoride so unless you live in a rural area where city water is not available or you rely totally on bottled water, fluoride supplements are not always necessary.
The purpose of fluoride is to strengthen dental enamel, but just like anything else, too much of a good thing can sometimes produce a negative effect.
White spots can also be the result of active dental decay. Decay results when bacteria penetrate the protective enamel on teeth.
Your dentist can diagnose and offer options to treat white spots on your teeth. But getting to the root of the problem and correcting that should be foremost … when ready, some cosmetic corrections might include:
Teeth whitening – A very economical and easily obtained method of treatment, whitening can brighten your smile while possibly diminishing or eliminating tooth discoloration.
Dental bonding – A tooth colored material is cemented to teeth that can blend away spots.
A permanent correction for dental stain and multiple other cosmetic dental issues can be achieved through porcelain veneers. These are wafer thin, tooth colored shells that are made to match your biological teeth. They are cemented to the front of teeth that are problematic.
Daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your family dental provider are recommended for great dental health; issues like white spots can be evaluated and treated to provide the smile makeover you desire.