We all want white teeth. We brush and floss daily, and you even keep up with your regular dental cleanings every six months (remember to schedule your appointment with your dentist in Southampton, PA, if you still need to!). While white teeth are signs of a healthy smile, white spots may be signs of tooth decay. Let’s look at what causes white spots on your teeth and what you can do if you notice them and how Dentist in Southampton can help you. 

Common Causes of White Spots on Your Teeth

The white spots on your teeth may have more than one single cause. When you visit your dentist, they’ll look at your teeth and lifestyle habits to see your specific reasons. Some of the most frequent ones we see include, 

• Diet, especially acidic or sugary foods that lead to erosion of tooth enamel
• Acid reflux is more than just heartburn; acid reflux can result in tooth enamel erosion when stomach acid makes its way to your mouth.
• Fluorosis, while fluoride is healthy for your teeth, too much can result in loss of tooth enamel.
• Enamel hypoplasia is a condition where you have less tooth enamel than usual due to genetics or nutrient absorption problems due to medication.
• Plaque accumulation, where plaque builds up due to poor oral hygiene or under braces
• Dehydration of the tooth caused by sleeping with your mouth open at night

Dentist in Southampton – Treating White Spots on Your Teeth

While white spots can signal trouble for your teeth, your dentist has several treatments to help. Some of the most common include, 

• Microabrasion to remove the white spots and improve your tooth’s appearance
• Bleaching your tooth enamel to lighten the entire tooth and balance the color
• Veneers to conceal large or numerous spots
• Chin strap to help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep
• Medication to treat colds or allergy symptoms that may lead to you sleeping with your mouth open

Prevention Is the Best Treatment

The best way to treat white spots on your teeth is to prevent them from forming altogether. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, eating foods low in sugar and acidity, and treating other health conditions that can contribute to white spots, such as sleep apnea, allergies and colds, and acid reflux.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Southampton, PA?

Keeping up with your regular dental visits is also an excellent way to prevent white spots on your teeth. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Southampton, contact us today to make an appointment. Take advantage of our free new patient consultation to meet our staff and choose your new family dentist.