White spots on teeth cause many people to be self-conscious about their smile. Of course, having white teeth is a sign of good oral hygiene and dental care. But white spots on teeth shouldn’t be ignored because they can sometimes be the first sign of tooth decay. However white blotches or patches under the tooth enamel that appear whiter aren’t always a sign that tooth decay is happening. The white spots could appear because of weak tooth enamel, a lack of calcium in the diet, consuming too many acidic foods, or a result of wearing braces.
If you notice discolored patches on your teeth, you should try to find out the cause of the white spots. The white spots are often a sign that minerals are leaching out of your teeth, a process called demineralization or decalcification. If left untreated, weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth cavities forming and causing dental problems. There are many home remedies to help even the color of your teeth and get rid of the white patches. However, reversing the process of demineralization will take some time and patience.
Please read on to find out why white spots have appeared on your teeth. You will also find out in this article how to make your own homemade toothpaste to remineralize the enamel surface of your teeth. We will also look at easy ways to prevent the appearance of white blotches under the hard, shiny surface of your teeth.
What Causes White Spots on Teeth
There are many factors that can cause white stains on your teeth. During the course of a day, the bacteria and pH levels in our mouths constantly change. Usually, saliva helps to naturally cleanse acids from the teeth and prevent a layer of plaque building up. Also, good oral hygiene practices help to remove plaque-causing bacteria.
Here are some of the main reasons why spots can appear under the enamel of your teeth.
Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause demineralization in the tooth structure and lead to the appearance of white spots on teeth. The teeth are made up of many minerals and are protected by a hard layer of enamel. Poor dental hygiene can cause a buildup of bacteria in the mouth which causes acidic compounds to weaken tooth enamel.
Information in the International Journal of Nanomedicine said that a lack of regular teeth brushing can lead to acidic properties eroding the surface of the tooth. This can cause a change in the mineral content of the teeth and eventually cause areas in the teeth that appear whiter. This is a process called decalcification or demineralization.
Wearing braces
Wearing braces can cause a buildup of plaque around the orthodontic bands and brackets which can lead to visible white blotches in the teeth. The white spots aren’t directly caused by the dental braces but because it is usually difficult to clean around the metal brackets.
A report in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry commented that white spots on the teeth are often seen when orthodontic braces are removed. These white lesions are usually a result of acidic and sugary content in the diet causing a buildup of plaque around the brace brackets.
Eating acidic foods
