What causes white spots on teeth?

Have you ever noticed those unsightly white spots all over your teeth and wondered what causes them?

We all like our pearly whites to look beautiful. But sometimes white can be too white. The perfect example being those unnaturally bright spots that sometimes develop on your teeth.

And to the question: what causes these? We can tell you that the answer is in chemistry.

The outer layer of teeth is called enamel. The enamel is the protective coating on healthy teeth. Enamel can be weakened by several different methods.

There are two types of white spots on teeth:

1. White spots from altered tooth eruption.

These spots are formed due to weakened enamel during tooth development. Maybe you rolled over and hit your jaw and clenched your teeth together hard. This form of micro-trauma may be enough to distort your tooth development and form white spots.

2. White spots from cavities.

When you ingest food and drink, the pH (level of acidity) can drop below 5.5. This is the critical threshold for disease to start – what we commonly hear referred to as cavities. In essence, this type of white spot is a precursor to a cavity.

If you have these same white spots on your teeth and you are feeling self conscious about your smile, you may want to consider seeing a cosmetic dentist who has experience dealing with this same issue. Chances are you may require dental veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to provide you with some insight on whether you require cosmetic dentist or composite veneers.

Consult with your dentist about the best options for you. You may also want to revisit your home care and nutrition practices.