Have you noticed creamy or chalky white spots on the surface of your teeth? You might feel self-conscious about the way they look in your smile, but these spots could point to dental damage too.
White spots are a symptom of a type of tooth enamel damage called hypocalcification. This issue requires intervention from your dentist to treat, so do not hesitate to let them know about your concerns. Read on to learn about hypocalcification and its impact on the health and appearance of your teeth.
What Is Hypocalcification?
Hypocalcification refers to a decline in the amount of calcium in the enamel of your teeth. The loss of this mineral on the surface of your teeth can lead to a thinning of this shell. This creates a chalky appearance in the tooth.
Erosion of the enamel is a common reason for this dental problem. Often, poor oral habits contribute to this issue, including not practicing adequate oral hygiene and letting plaque linger on your smile. Acidic or sugary foods can also eat away at your tooth enamel and create this damage.
Some people may be genetically prone to calcium loss in their teeth. If this is the case, they should work with their dentist to develop an appropriate preventative dental care plan.
Once eroded, enamel cannot regrow on its own. You will need treatment from your dentist to resolve this issue with your teeth. This intervention can improve both your oral health and the look of your smile.
Can My Dentist Get Rid of the White Spots on My Teeth?
Your dentist will evaluate your smile for the cause of this dental damage and address that first. Once your smile is healthy, they can develop a cosmetic treatment plan to get your teeth looking their best once again.
To strengthen weakened enamel, your dentist may give you a fluoride treatment. They might also suggest that you use mouthwash or toothpaste that contains fluoride. This substance absorbs into your tooth enamel to make it better able to resist decay and other potential harms.
The white spots may remain on the surface of your teeth after this treatment. To get rid of them, you can ask your dentist about cosmetic dental solutions that will make your smile appear even and brighter.
Dental bonding can use composite resin to make your smile look whiter. A dentist sculpts the resin according to your unique smile aesthetic goals for a look that suits your unique needs. They may also recommend porcelain veneers, cap-like shells that adhere to the front of your teeth, covering aesthetic concerns and building a bright and regular-looking smile.
Your dentist might also suggest a dental crown if you want to both resolve severe discoloration and replace lost enamel. The crown can cover weakened enamel to protect the interior of your teeth while also giving the tooth an enhanced appearance. A dentist can find the best option for your smile when you schedule a consultation.