To have clean teeth, you must practice proper dental hygiene in your everyday life. With lack of care, white blotches or white spots may start to appear. What causes them – and how do you get rid of them? There are a few ways to approach the discoloration formed on the teeth if you happen to have them.
What causes them?
Calcium is a mineral in the body that is stored in teeth and bones. This mineral helps strengthen the enamel, which is the outer layer of each tooth. The enamel is the hardest substance in the body and protects your teeth from decay, temperature sensitivity and possible erosion. If the enamel mixes with bacteria, it will create white spots – and those could make your teeth prone to decay.
Certain foods or drinks can lead to plaque, which can also cause white spots on your teeth. Plaque can form when your mouth interacts with sugar or starchy foods that are left on the teeth. Plaque is a colorless, sticky film that is known to harm the enamel. With this going on, an acid can destroy the outer layer, and it can make the teeth decay, as well. Having a healthy diet can save you from possible damage to the outer layer of your teeth and avoid those white spots.
Treating white spots
Depending on the state of the calcium deposits, you may be able to treat them at home or you might have to schedule a dentist appointment. At-home care can be simple as adding fluoride to your dental routine at least twice a month. Too much fluoride can damage the teeth, so you want to be careful with this type of treatment. If you cannot tackle the situation at home, getting a dentist appointment would be the best option. A dentist will be able to break down the calcium that is built upon each tooth to start fresh.
Maintain proper oral care
Another way to prevent calcium deposits is by keeping up with your oral health. Doing so will protect your teeth. To keep your teeth clean and pretty, you need to work on improving your dental routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day will keep your teeth from forming white spots.
Attend yearly checkups with your local dentist
Going to the dentist twice a year will also keep your teeth healthy. The visits will help with knowledge on where your teeth currently stand and will let you know what needs to be done if there are any issues. The dentist can also check for cavities and possible infections. Overall, getting regular cleanings is a great action you can take to have healthy teeth.
When’s the last time you went to the dentist? We can help with that. Contact Gulf Coast Dental today to schedule an appointment.
