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What are those white spots on your teeth (decalcification)?
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Read also: What are the symptoms of tooth decay and how can you prevent it?
Causes of white spots on teeth
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- Food: acidic food, such as citrus fruits or soft drinks can seriously damage the tooth enamel and lead to decalcification of the teeth. A calcium deficiency can also lead to decalcification. Calcium is essential for healthy teeth. You can find this mineral in dairy products, among other things. The same goes for phosphorus. You can find this nutrient in chicken, seafood, dairy and whole grains, for example.
- Fluorosis: Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis or white spots on the teeth in young children. Fluoride is an ingredient in toothpaste and often found in drinking water.
- Enamel hypoplasia: This means that you have less tooth enamel than normal. This may be due to a nutritional deficiency causing mineral loss in the tooth. Causes include conditions such as celiac disease, in which the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients due to a weakened immune system. Antibiotics can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients. In addition, smoking during pregnancy can cause this condition in children.
- Plaque buildup: White spots on the teeth can also be caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque. This is due to poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly.
- Braces: white spots on the teeth are also often seen after wearing braces. With braces it is more difficult to clean the teeth properly where the blocks are. As a result, dental plaque can build up and demineralization can occur.
Also read: How can you prevent yellow teeth and tooth discoloration?
What can you do?
If you already have white spots on your teeth, unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it yourself. Since the problem is in the enamel layer of your teeth, the dentist cannot sand away the stains without causing damage to your teeth. Bleaching is therefore not a solution. What you can do is to have veneers placed over your teeth. They are made of porcelain, a hard and strong material that lasts a long time. The downside is that veneers are quite expensive.
Also read: Is it unhealthy to share your toothbrush?
2023-06-05 22:19:37
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