White spots on the teeth are a fairly common problem. Sometimes they appear without us knowing why, and they can be bothersome, especially because of the color difference compared to the rest of the tooth. They usually don’t cause pain, but they do affect the appearance of the smile.
What are white spots on teeth?
White spots are areas of the tooth enamel that have lost minerals, which makes them appear lighter than the rest of the tooth. In reality, they are not “stains” in the sense of dirt, but rather a sign that this part of the enamel is not completely healthy or has formed differently.
Causes
There can be several causes. One of the most common is enamel demineralization due to insufficient dental hygiene. This occurs when bacterial plaque builds up, especially if you wear braces.
Another frequent cause is an excess of fluoride during childhood (dental fluorosis). They can also appear due to a poor diet, lack of calcium, or even from a blow or infection when the tooth was forming. In many cases, these spots are already present when the teeth first appear, although over time they may become more visible.
Treatment of white spots on teeth
The treatment for white spots on teeth depends greatly on their origin and on how deep the enamel alteration is. Not all spots are the same, which is why it’s best to visit a dentist so they can evaluate your case and suggest the most suitable solution.
In some cases, they can be completely removed, and in others, the goal is to make them much less noticeable to improve the appearance of the smile.
Some options that usually give good results are:
- Professional dental cleaning: When the spots are superficial, a cleaning performed at the clinic may be enough. It also helps keep the gums healthy and prevents the problem from progressing.
- Microabrasion: This is a very simple and conservative technique. It consists of removing a thin layer of enamel to even out the color of the tooth. In this way, the contrast between the white area and the rest of the tooth is softened.
- Teeth whitening: This treatment lightens the overall tone of the teeth, making the color difference between the spots and the rest less noticeable. It is not always the first option, as if the enamel is damaged or too thin, it can be counterproductive.
- Veneers or composite: When the spots are deep or affect several teeth, veneers are an excellent option. You can also opt for an aesthetic composite treatment, which involves applying a special resin of the same color as the tooth to cover the affected areas.
- Remineralizing treatments with fluoride: If the spots are recent or mild, treatments that strengthen the enamel can be used. This type of treatment can also be combined with others to enhance the results.
In all cases, professional follow-up is essential. The dentist will assess the condition of your teeth, the exact cause of the spots, and the best way to treat them without damaging the enamel. With the right diagnosis and a personalized plan, it’s possible to regain a more even, bright, and healthy smile.
How to prevent these white spots on teeth?
The best way to prevent them is to maintain good daily habits. First, practice good oral hygiene: brushing your teeth after every meal, using dental floss, and visiting the dentist at least once a year for a professional cleaning may be enough.
It’s also important to take care of your diet. Avoid foods that are very sugary or acidic, and make sure to consume products rich in calcium and phosphorus to strengthen the teeth. For children, it’s a good idea to monitor the amount of fluoride they use to avoid excess.
We can help with white spots on your teeth
At Gross Dentistas, our dental clinic in Torremolinos and Málaga, we have a team specialized in dental aesthetics and oral health. We analyze each case to offer you the most suitable treatment and help you achieve a uniform and natural smile.
Our goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident with your smile. With the most advanced technology and a friendly, personalized approach, we help you remove white spots and take care of your dental health in the long term. Contact us and schedule your appointment soon.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
