White\Brown Spots on your teeth

Everyone wants a perfectly bright smile; however, that doesn’t always happen. A variety of factors can cause our smiles to fade, discolor, or develop white spots. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your smile. If you’re looking to remove those spots from your teeth, contact ABN family dental, Aurora, ON

What causes spots to appear on teeth?

• Fluorosis: Fluoride plays an important role in keeping our teeth strong and healthy. Just by using fluoride toothpaste, you’re helping to keep your smile free from cavities and tooth decay. However, too much fluoride can have the opposite effect on developing teeth. When children’s teeth are exposed to high levels of fluoride, their teeth can begin to discolor and decay. For example, white spots may appear on their teeth. Fluorosis can occur when children swallow toothpaste, drink too much (overly fluoridated) tap water, take fluoride supplements, or consume too many fluoridated beverages.
• Demineralization: Demineralization occurs as a result of extreme bacterial plaque accumulation. Without consistent brushing and flossing, you can’t remove bacteria and food debris from your mouth. This causes plaque and tartar to build up. The enamel on your teeth also begins to decalcify, leaving the tooth vulnerable to cavities. The resulting white spots are actually early cavities that can be reversed with quick treatment. Alternatively, demineralization can be a side effect of wearing braces. When your braces are removed, you may notice white spots underneath or around the location of the brackets. These are caused by a buildup of plaque deposits, brought on by insufficient oral hygiene or an inability to completely remove plaque from between the brackets.
• Diet: Over time, consuming a highly acidic diet has dire consequences for your tooth enamel. High acid levels found in some food and beverages slowly eat away at the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable. The enamel is responsible for protecting your teeth from damage. As it wears thin, you may notice white spots appearing on your teeth or a spike in cavities. Diets that are high in sugar can also erode enamel. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, producing the acid that attacks your teeth.
• Enamel hypoplasia: Enamel hypoplasia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low quality or thinness of tooth enamel. Since you have less enamel than you should, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and white spots. This condition can be hereditary. However, it can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, trauma to teeth, a preterm birth, taking antibiotics during a fever, or if your mother smoked during pregnancy or was given certain medications. In addition to white spots, your teeth may be more prone to sensitivity and decay. Your teeth may also have grooves or lines in them.
• Sleeping with your mouth open: If you wake up with white spots on your teeth, but they go away after a few hours, then you’re probably just sleeping with your mouth open. When you sleep with an open mouth all night, the tooth enamel gets dehydrated. White spots appear as a result. As soon saliva bathes your teeth, the enamel rehydrates, and the white spots vanish.

How can you help my smile?

At Aurora Bayview North we provide an array of solutions to aid you getting your dream smile.

In the past, the only way to treat these white and brown spot lesions involved injections, drilling, and resin or porcelain restorations. Today, however, an easier alternative is available. Dr. Savitsky is proud to offer Icon treatment, an innovative and painless way to erase lesions without the need for invasive dentistry. The procedure is completely painless as there is no need for anesthetic or drilling and the results are instant. In one visit you can have your smile transformed.

In certain cases, the resin infiltration can be used to halt the progression of early cavities. Your dentist will advise you at your regular check-up if you are eligible for its use in this way.