White spots on the teeth are very noticeable, especially in the front teeth. The causes vary, which is why a clarification by a doctor is strongly advised.
What are white spots on the teeth?
Affected people are afraid to show their teeth. But it is possible to eliminate the discoloration through cosmetic measures. Most affected people notice the white spots on their teeth only when they take a thorough look in the mirror or a dentist points them out. The coloration is clearly different from the surrounding tooth substance and presents itself as opaque and compact. Sometimes the whitening occurs on all areas of the tooth or only on individual points. There are also cases in which all teeth are affected by the white spots or brown spots as well as stripes are additionally visible. If you run your tongue over the light discolorations, you will perceive them as rough. Although for many this symptom is more like a cosmetic problem, it should not be downplayed. Behind it may be problematic dental diseases that will worsen without treatment.
Causes
The reason for white spots on the teeth is usually due to demineralization or deep decalcification of the enamel. The significant, natural protection of the teeth is only insufficiently present in these areas and the tooth has already been attacked by caries. People with fixed braces are particularly affected. In their case, these stains appear under the glued-on brackets because the minerals in the tooth enamel are slowly reduced under the adhesive. Another possible cause is an oversupply of fluoride in the early years of life. Excessive consumption of this substance impairs the formation of enamel during the development phase of fixed teeth. The insufficient formation of the protective layer is subsequently shown in children by the white spots on their teeth. Very rarely is the staining of milk teeth thanks to good dental care. However, if a baby tooth is severely affected by caries, this can cause damage to the underlying seedling of the actual tooth. The new, permanent tooth will then show white spots.
Diseases with this symptom
- Caries
Diagnosis and progression
When the white spots appear on teeth that were previously normal in color, dentists speak of initial caries. This harbinger of caries causes demineralization of the tooth and further white spots are the result. If no action is taken now, the caries progresses further and the white spots take on a dark color. Due to the roughened tooth surface, tiny particles from daily food find a hold in the tooth. As the disease progresses, the holes typical of caries develop and eventually the tooth is lost. Already a visual assessment of the doctor as well as a clarification of the time of development of this symptom leads to a reliable diagnosis. If the doctor discovers the white spots when the permanent teeth grow out of the jaw, the situation is different. Now it is not a precursor of caries, but a poorly developed enamel. The teeth with the white spots are more susceptible to disease, but are in themselves only a cosmetic problem.
Complications
In case of white spots on the teeth, a doctor should always be consulted in the first place. If the white spots are not treated, they can lead to tooth decay. This usually leads to pain in the teeth for most patients. Since the white spots occur mainly on the front incisors, this pain is particularly unpleasant and should therefore be treated. In rare cases, it also happens that a piece of the tooth breaks off in the affected area. The affected person can no longer eat solid food if the tooth hurts. Inflammation may occur at the root of the tooth. In this case, root canal treatment is then necessary. The treatment of white spots on the teeth is usually done without further complications. The affected area is cleaned and finally filled with a material. After that, the pain disappears. Tooth root removal is also performed in most patients without pain and also without further complications. Especially children should be regularly examined by the dentist to avoid consequential damage in adulthood.
When should you go to the doctor?
Routine dental checkup will detect white spots on the teeth. If it is demineralization of the tooth, the dentist will give advice on oral hygiene and nutrition. In addition, the dentist will usually order a prompt follow-up check, as it is a precursor to caries. In the case of milk teeth in particular, the dentist will make sure that there is no risk of subsequent damage to the permanent teeth. There are clear limits to self-treatment at home. A healthy diet should also be taken into account. In this way, sufficient mineral intake can be ensured and the formation of acids due to excessive consumption of sugary foods can be avoided. If these stains are detected independently of a dental check-up, a dentist or the pediatrician should be consulted. Children – who are treated prophylactically with fluorine – frequently develop these stains. In this case, the concentration of fluorine is too high. The intake of fluorine preparations (tablets, toothpaste) should be checked together with the treating physician. These whitish discolorations can also occur frequently in people who wear fixed braces. Here, too, it is advisable to consult the orthodontist treating the patient. In principle, white spots on the teeth can be treated very well by the dentist and your own supportive measures. If the therapy is started in time, there is no risk of consequential damage.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of white spots on teeth depends on the cause. If it is a starting caries disease, an uncomplicated therapy can be initiated. The tooth enamel is impaired, but still intact. Without a drill, therapy can now be carried out to remineralize the enamel. These fluoridation measures cause the white spots to discolor again over time. This treatment can be supported by a tooth-healthy diet. If the tooth enamel has already been damaged during the period of tooth development, the whitening cannot be removed so easily. Fluoridation measures are now no longer effective. The affected person can reduce the risk of further damage to the tooth enamel by eating a well-considered diet that largely avoids acids and sugar. It is also possible to remove the discoloration by cosmetic measures. These include so-called veneers. These are fine adhesive shells made of ceramic. They are placed on the front of the affected tooth, which does not need to be ground. However, a thin layer of enamel is removed for optimal retention.
Outlook and prognosis
As a rule, white spots on the teeth can be treated relatively well, so that no restrictions and also no complications arise in the patient. Often, caries also develops from the areas. In this case, a simple treatment by the dentist is possible, which is usually also without pain. The affected area is removed and the hole is sealed with a filling. However, the white spots can also represent a so-called demineralization. All this can be clarified by a dentist. Complications and discomfort occur only when pain is also associated with the white spots. This restricts the intake of food and fluids. Often, the pain spreads from the teeth to the neighboring regions, which can lead to earache or headache. Most damage to the teeth can be relatively well repaired with the help of dentistry. In many cases, the white spots also do not cause any complications but are at most aesthetically disturbing – depending on how much the individual is affected by them.
Prevention
There is an excellent prevention against white spots on the teeth. This begins as early as the toddler age between 2.5 years and 8.5 years. On the one hand, care should be taken to ensure that children do not receive too much fluoride for the healthy development of permanent teeth. On the other hand, thorough oral hygiene is important for the milk teeth. Likewise, a dentist should be visited regularly so that caries can be detected and treated at an early stage. In adulthood, white spots can be prevented by careful dental care with fluoride toothpaste.
You can do it yourself
To prevent white spots on the teeth – as a precursor to caries – or to heal existing damage, the enamel must be remineralized. In addition to prophylactic measures at the dentist, some methods can be carried out by oneself. First of all, sugar consumption must be reduced, as this is a breeding ground for caries bacteria and leads to acid formation. A healthy diet rich in vital substances has a positive effect on dental health. The consumption of fruit juices or juice spritzers in between meals also creates plaque on the teeth. In addition, one’s own dental hygiene should be checked: regular replacement of the toothbrush, sufficient time for brushing, effective brushing method, choice of toothpaste. Especially in case of existing problems in childhood, brushing could be increased to three times a day. To counteract plaque in the interdental spaces, the use of dental floss is recommended. Mouth rinses are equally effective against the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity. Very good properties are attributed to the sugar substitute xylitol – also known as birch sugar. It has the same sweetening power as granulated sugar, with a very low glycemic index, and has a mineralizing effect on tooth enamel. It is available in the form of powder, as chewing gum for in-between dental care, and as lozenges. If the white spots are due to an excess supply of fluoride (dental fluorosis), its consumption should be greatly reduced. If fluoride tablets are taken, a toothpaste with reduced fluoride content should be chosen.
