What Are Those White Spots on Your Teeth?

White spots on your teeth can be caused by a few different things. Some of the causes warrant immediate attention, while others are relatively harmless.

At Cooper Family Dentistry, we work hard to protect the health of our patients. We want you to know what may be causing the white spots so you can decide whether it warrants a closer inspection right away, or if it’s something you can just bring at your next regular cleaning.

Have You Had the Spots Since Childhood?

If you have had white spots on your teeth since you were a child, they are likely caused by one of two things. The first thing that could be causing them is a condition called “enamel hypoplasia.” Essentially, this condition is caused when there is something that causes the enamel formation to be disrupted as the tooth is being formed.

Another common cause of white spots that have been there since childhood is hyperfluorosis. These are white spots caused by swallowing too much fluoride when the teeth are being formed.

Both of the above conditions are relatively harmless. Nevertheless, you should bring it up the next time you see us. We’ll be happy to talk with you about your options.

Are the Spots New?

White spots on the teeth that appear during adulthood are rarely caused by the above conditions. They can be indicative of the initial stages of a cavity or tooth decay. Or, they could be deposits of plaque or tartar that need to be removed.

If you have developed white spots as an adult, you should come see us right away. We will need to take a close look at your teeth to determine the source of the spots, and to figure out what we can do in order to treat the condition.

We Work Hard to Protect Your Oral Health

At Cooper Family Dentistry, we are proud of our reputation and high patient satisfaction. We want you to know that we will give you every bit as much attention and professional care as we have given to our legions of happy patients.

If you are experiencing white spots on your teeth, come see us. We can help determine the cause and—more importantly—determine what, exactly, can be done to remedy the situation. So give us a call, or send us an email, and set up an appointment. We look forward to working with you!