Have you ever looked closely at your child’s teeth and noticed small, white spots? Don’t worry, many kids (and adults!) have this type of tooth discoloration, and it typically doesn’t cause any problems. But you may still be wondering what caused them in the first place and if there are ways to make them go away. Let’s see what your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands has to say.
Causes of White Spots
There are many different things that can cause white spots to appear on teeth, and many of the causes can occur in childhood but the spots still show in an adult smile. Some causes of white spots on kids’ teeth can include:
While many causes of white spots aren’t serious, some can result in additional problems. This is why it’s important to talk to your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands about any changes to your kid’s teeth so we can thoroughly check for any potential problems.
A Closer Look
Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons white spots can show up on your little one’s teeth.
Too Much Fluoride
One of the main causes of white spots is something called fluorosis. Fluorosis occurs during childhood when there’s too much exposure to fluoride. Fluoride is beneficial in strengthening tooth enamel and keeping cavities away. But too much of it can cause these little white spots to appear. These white spots can sometimes stick around and continue to show up in adult teeth.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Hypoplasia is another cause of white spots that typically occurs during childhood but can also happen as an adult. This condition weakens tooth enamel and can be brought on by some medications, dental trauma, diabetes, and other illnesses
Diet
Your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands recommends that everyone follow a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and limited amounts of sugar and acid. Not only will acidic and sugary snacks weaken enamel and increase the risk of decay, but they can also cause white spots to appear on teeth.
How to Treat White Spots on Teeth
Treating white spots on teeth may depend on what caused them to begin with, so we will start with a gentle yet thorough exam to determine why the spots showed up in the first place. Then, your dentist will talk with you about any potential problems associated with the discoloration, such as an increased risk of decay, as well as the best treatment option. If the white spots aren’t showing signs of a problem and they’re visible on baby teeth, treatment may not even be needed. However, if white spots show up on your child’s permanent teeth we can consider cosmetic dentistry options to help cover up and fix the imperfections.
Some of the best ways to prevent white spots from showing up on your child’s teeth are to brush and floss your teeth every day, eat a well-balanced diet, and maintain regular dental checkups every six months. Also, talk with your pediatric dentist about proper fluoride methods and amounts.
