On the shiny surface of tooth enamel, chalk-like spots can sometimes be found. Usually they have a white matte color, but sometimes there are spots of a light beige tint.
To identify such stains on the teeth is quite simple even on your own – they do not have the characteristic luster of healthy tooth enamel.
There are several reasons for this phenomenon. But before you figure them out, remember, the occurrence of chalky spots – a reason to visit a dentist. Based on the nature of their origin, the doctor will diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Together with estet-portal. com we offer to figure out what the appearance of chalky spots means and what to do to get rid of them?
• Causes of chalky spots in adults
• How to respond to chalky spots on baby teeth
• How to get rid of chalky spots yourself
• Dental troubleshooting
• Prevention of chalky spots on teeth
Causes of chalky spots in adults
Chalky spots – these are areas where the enamel is devoid of minerals. They come in various shapes, either in the form of dots, stripes.
Among the main causes of stains on the teeth are:
- Caries. This is the most common cause of chalky spots at the moment. At the initial stage, caries looks like light spots that darken as the process starts. At the same time, the damaged area remains smooth.
- The main factor leading to the appearance of light carious spots is improper oral hygiene. Due to inadequate care, plaque accumulates on the enamel, which contributes to the multiplication of various bacteria. As a result, organic acids appear, which erode calcium in the composition of the enamel. It thins and collapses.
- Fluorosis. This disease indicates that the body is oversaturated with fluoride. Usually people who live in areas where drinking water contains too much fluoride are subjected to fluorosis. In such an area, the majority of the inhabitants suffer from the disease. Sometimes fluoride can enter the body through the air if industrial plants are located nearby.
- Tooth trauma. Although enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, it is also susceptible to decay. As a result of trauma to the tooth enamel, the process of mineralization of the teeth changes, which can manifest itself in the appearance of chalky stains.
It is noteworthy that childhood trauma can contribute to the appearance of chalky spots already on permanent teeth.
How to deal with chalky spots on baby teeth
Mostly, stains occur on permanent teeth. However, cases of their occurrence in children are not uncommon.
Milk teeth may be subject to this phenomenon for the following reasons:
• Hypoplasia. The problem appears as light, matte areas, usually uneven. The surface of the teeth may become furrowed.
Most often, the occurrence of hypoplasia occurs before the age of three. Basically, the front teeth of children suffer from it.
In many cases, hypoplasia is laid down even at the stage of intrauterine development. This can be caused by diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy, such as viral diseases of various origins, rubella, toxicosis, as well as injuries.
In addition, hypoplasia sometimes develops in premature babies, as well as those with a lack of vitamin D and allergies.
• Decreased immunity. Mineral loss can begin in children who are often ill. This contributes to the appearance of stains on the teeth and the subsequent destruction of the enamel.
• Use of braces. Sometimes, prolonged wearing of braces and other orthopedic constructions causes light stripes at the base of the teeth, which are found after the system is removed. This happens due to the fact that this area does not come into contact with saliva and demineralization occurs on it.
How to get rid of chalky spots yourself
You can try to eliminate light spots yourself.
Based on the factors of occurrence, various methods are applied:
- For fluorosis, it is necessary to start troubleshooting with a water change. To do this, you need to install filters or purchase purchased bottled water. In addition, it will not be superfluous to change your toothpaste to a toothpaste without fluoride.
- If the problem is nutrition, the main recommendation would be to change the diet. It is recommended to include vegetables, fruits, dairy products in it. But it is better to refuse strong tea, coffee, fatty meat and fish.
- In the case when the reason lies in the wrong care of the teeth, bleaching agents will help. You can use special tooth whitening strips or pastes, but without fluoride.
- In children the most popular method in the fight against chalky spots has become the method of enamel microabrasion. It consists of treatment of damaged areas with special abrasive therapeutic agents having a medium acid content, followed by the application of a fluoride-based gel.
Dental troubleshooting
If chalk-like spots on the teeth are of a carious nature or the situation is neglected, you should immediately consult a doctor. The sooner you visit the dentist, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Dental problems are solved in the following way:
• In case of loss of minerals, a remineralization procedure is performed. It is carried out by applying a protective layer of a special paste, which gradually saturates the enamel with minerals and has a strengthening effect. In case of excess of fluorine, the supply of minerals is replenished using electrophoresis and applications.
• The procedure of teeth restoration, which whitens the enamel and restores their beauty and health, is very popular.
• Hypoplasia is treated with silvering or fluoridation, which will keep baby teeth until the permanent ones appear.
• In severe cases, plates with a special chemical composition.
are installed
Prevention of chalky spots on teeth
Disease is always easier to prevent than to cure. That is why there are measures to prevent chalky spots.
Among them are:
• Regular oral hygiene. It implies the use of a toothbrush, paste, and dental floss.
• Using mouth rinses. After brushing your teeth, it is advisable to use mouth rinses to remove food debris in hard-to-reach areas.
• Systematic visits to the dentist. Preventive – once every six months, medical – as needed.
• Drinking filtered drinking water. This is especially true in areas where the water contains too much fluoride.
• Proper nutrition. Eating vegetables, fruits, dairy and sour-milk products. Exclusion from the menu of sweets, coffee, strong teas, alcohol.
If you do not get rid of chalky spots in time, there is a high risk of losing damaged teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to the health of the oral cavity. Treatment of chalky spots on the teeth is recommended to start immediately after their discovery.
If you neglect the problem and do not get rid of chalky spots in time, there is a big risk of losing damaged teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the health of the oral cavity.
It is recommended to start treating chalky spots on teeth as soon as they are discovered. The sooner you make a visit to the dentist, the easier and more effective the treatment will be, because only a specialist knows how to solve the problem quickly and with minimal losses (health, time, finances).
An experienced doctor will examine your mouth to find out the cause of chalky spots and prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen so that your smile will once again become a cause for your pride.
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