When people think of tooth discoloration, they usually envision yellow or brown stains that detract from a smile’s look. But discoloration can sometimes go the other way, producing unusual white spots on the enamel’s surface. If your smile is thrown off by white spots, here are a few common reasons the problem may be occurring — and how you and a trusted dentist can address the problem.

5 Common Causes of White Spots on Teeth

1. Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is an essential mineral that supports healthy enamel growth. If your body doesn’t get enough, your enamel may fall victim and develop white spots. Fortunately, these spots can be addressed and avoided by eating a varied selection of calcium-rich foods, such as milk, spinach, almonds, and broccoli.

2. Braces

If you notice white spots on your teeth where the brackets of metal braces used to sit, it’s possible that the discoloration is due to plaque buildup. Practicing thorough oral hygiene while wearing braces can help prevent the formation of spots. However, if you do develop the problem, a dentist can help stabilize your smile’s appearance through professional teeth whitening and cleaning techniques.

3. Fluorosis

In general, fluoride is a mineral used to build stronger teeth. However, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis — a condition that can cause white spots on enamel.  Commonly, this problem will occur when children are using too much toothpaste or are using a product that contains too much fluoride. If your dentist suspects fluorosis, reducing the amount of toothpaste you or your child uses can help.

4. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when acids wear away at enamel and cause cavities. In many cases, decay will cause black or brown spots to form on teeth. But in some situations, this decay may cause white spots to form. To prevent it from worsening, this issue requires restorative treatment from a dentist — such as fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions.

5. Medication Use

There are a few medications that may cause tooth discoloration as a side effect, including antibiotics such as tetracycline and amoxicillin. If tooth discoloration is a possible side effect of your medication, ask your doctor what you can do to prevent it — or if enamel-friendly alternatives are available. If your medication causes white spots, a dentist can help correct the issue through cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening or veneers.

The only way to know why your smile is spotted with white discoloration is to consult a trusted dentist — such as the team at Katz Family Dentistry in Webster, NY. Providing advanced dental care for more than three decades, Dr. Jeffrey R. Katz will accurately pinpoint the source of white spots in patients of any age. Whatever the cause, this provider will help you explore the best options to restore your smile’s look — including teeth whitening and veneers. Visit the practice online to learn more about their services or call (585) 671-2340 to schedule an appointment today.