Changing Your Spots: White Areas on Teeth | Le Mars Dental Whitening

Best_Family_Dentistry_LeMars
Best_Family_Dentistry_LeMars

White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white spots, how to prevent them, and what options are available should you already have them. 

What causes white spots on teeth? 

1.       Dental Fluorosis This can happen when a child consumes or is exposed to too much fluoride during the development of their teeth. While undesirable, this is harmless and can happen before teeth even emerge. The most common cause of fluorosis in the US is the use or ingestion of too much toothpaste. 

2.       Poor Dental Hygiene – Forgetting to brush regularly can cause white spots to develop. 

3.       Braces – Wearing braces for an extended time can affect the coloration of your teeth and create white spots.  

4.       Acidic or Sugary Foods – These foods can damage your teeth as well as change the color of their enamel. Rinsing your mouth after you consuming acidic or sugary items can help negate these effects. 

How can I prevent them from appearing? 

Following a proper oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent white spots on teeth. Ensure your child uses the correct amount of toothpaste – children under 3 should use a smear the size of a rice grain, and children over 3 should not use more than a pea-sized amount. It is common for children to accidentally swallow or fail to spit out toothpaste, so be sure to supervise your child as they are learning. 

What are options for treatment? 

If you are already dealing with white spots, you have options. Whitening or bleaching can make the coloration of your teeth more uniform. Dental veneers can restore the entire appearance of your teeth, solving not just the problem of white spots. In some cases, topical fluoride or enamel microabrasion upon the white spots themselves can do the trick.  

Our doctor will recommend the optimal solution for treating white spots on your teeth. Contact our office for a consultation today.

Family First Dental of LeMars
Phone: (712) 546-8823
29 Plymouth Street Northeast
LeMars, IA 51031

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Le Mars Dental Office

Dentist LeMars

Le Mars Location

29 Plymouth Street Northeast,
Le Mars, IA 51031

(712) 546-8823

p14279184455297

Our Dental News

Dentist LeMars

Pxd0LGA7B1uTeB9QghPQZExuqkDjk26PPXmDTws7

TMJ Treatment: Alleviating Jaw Pain and Discomfort

The discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ disorders, can significantly impact daily life. Individuals suffering from jaw pain often find it challenging to perform simple tasks such as talking or eating. At Family 1st Dental of […]

Learn More
Pxd0LGA7B1uTeB9QghPQZExuqkDjk26PPXmDTws7

In-Office Dental Cleanings: More Than Just a Polish

Maintaining optimal oral health is vital for overall wellness, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through regular professional dental cleanings. At Family 1st Dental of LeMars, the focus is not only on providing a routine […]

Learn More
Pxd0LGA7B1uTeB9QghPQZExuqkDjk26PPXmDTws7

Sealants: Protecting Your Teeth from Decay

Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure widely favored in general dentistry for safeguarding teeth against decay. These thin, protective coatings can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities frequently occur. Particularly beneficial for children, […]

Learn More