One of the first things that others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if your teeth are flawed, you might worry you’ll be judged for your looks. For instance, if your enamel has white spots you can’t seem to brush away, you might become so self-conscious that you avoid smiling or socializing with others.
Your dentist can provide various cosmetic services, like teeth whitening and veneers, to improve your appearance, but the appropriate treatment depends on the cause. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons for blotches in your enamel and how your provider can enhance your appearance!
Cause #1: Overexposure to Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in different soil and water sources, but today, it is also often included to fortify dental products. For example, it’s included in many different types of toothpaste for children and adults, added to some public sources of tap water, and offered as a topical treatment in your dentist’s office. This is because it’s known to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities.
However, too much of it can impact the appearance of your enamel in a condition referred to as hypoplasia. This is more common among children, whose adult teeth can be affected by fluoride while developing, resulting in white spots or deep grooves. Thankfully, professional whitening with your dentist can lighten your enamel to reduce the appearance of such blemishes.
Cause #2: Your Diet
Your teeth and bones are made primarily of calcium and phosphorus, but your body doesn’t generate them on its own. As a result, it’s essential that you eat foods rich in these ingredients to support a strong skeleton and a healthy smile. If you’re deprived of calcium, your pearly whites can become brittle or develop white splotches that detract from your appearance.
Your dentist can offer cosmetic procedures, like fitting you with porcelain veneers that are customized to be just the right shade, shape, and size for seamless results.
Cause #3: Prescription Medications
Certain prescription medications are also known to cause changes in enamel development. Antibiotics, like tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin can impact how your body absorbs different nutrients and applies them when creating this protective outer layer. Children are the most at-risk group, and taking these medications in your youth can alter the appearance of your adult teeth.
This can sometimes be addressed with topical teeth whitening, but depending on the severity of the discoloration, you might be a good candidate for dental bonding. For this procedure, your dentist applies color-matched composite resin directly to your enamel to hide aesthetic concerns, then hardens it with a curing light for a long-lasting repair.
If you’re unsure of the cause of the white spots on your teeth or how to treat them, the best way to find out is by consulting your dentist!
About the Practice
At Davis, Boeller & Rife Dental, people of all ages benefit from three providers with decades of experience. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet you and your family’s needs all under one roof, including cosmetic procedures. They enjoy establishing relationships with patients so they can quickly identify problem areas and tailor treatment plans to address them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology for improved comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want to improve your appearance, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (941) 239-7091.