White spots on teeth are quite common. Have you ever wondered why they appear and how to get rid of them? Studies show that one of the factors responsible for the appearance of white spots is excessive exposure to fluoride. The American Dental Association suggests that some simple daily practices can eliminate or prevent the occurrence of white spots.
Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth?
White spots develop due to the loss of minerals from the enamel, leading to the discoloration of the affected teeth. Don’t worry, as dentists and orthodontists have a range of procedures that can help eliminate these white spots. However, before considering treatment options, let’s first understand what causes white spots on teeth. The following are factors known to contribute to the development of white spots on teeth.
Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis occurs when white spots develop on teeth due to constant exposure to fluoride over a long period. This condition only develops in children, not in adults. You can recognize if your children have dental fluorosis by checking for white streaks on their teeth. A study was conducted to examine the prevalence of dental fluorosis among adolescents from 1986-1987 and 1999-2004. The study found that adolescents aged 12-15 years between 1999-2004 had a higher prevalence rate of 41% compared to adolescents in the same age group in the 1986-1987 survey.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a defect of the enamel that results in the development of thin enamel. This condition develops during childhood when teeth are forming and can lead to the appearance of white spots on teeth.
Presence of Bacteria and Other Microbes
Did you know that your mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria? Researchers have analyzed existing literature on white spots and found that the presence of bacteria in our mouths can contribute to the development of white spots.
Diet
You may not realize this, but the food you consume has an impact on the appearance of your teeth. Highly acidic foods and sugars can lead to the formation of white spots on teeth. How does this happen? When you have a high level of acid and sugar present in your mouth, it can lead to the erosion of minerals from your teeth, resulting in the development of white spots.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth Naturally?
Remineralizing Toothpaste
It is easy to prepare your own remineralizing toothpaste to help eliminate white spots on teeth.
You will need:
5 tablespoons of calcium powder
3-5 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
Preparation method:
Gradually mix the two ingredients until a thick and smooth paste forms.
Add a drop of food-grade peppermint oil to give a fresh taste to the toothpaste.
Brush your teeth with this paste 2-3 times a day.
