tooth pain in pregnancy

Tooth Pain In Pregnancy: What You Can Do About It

During pregnancy, women are exposed to a multitude of new experiences throughout the duration of their term, some of which can be uncomfortable and even painful. However, aside from the most obvious side effects, such as morning sickness, inflammation, and hormone changes, some women experience unbearable tooth pain while pregnant. Although it’s important to note that experiencing is relatively common, there is no need to panic.

In this article, we are going to discuss what you can do if you experience tooth pain in pregnancy, as well as some of our recommendations for what to use for toothache during pregnancy so you can be sure that both you and your baby are safe.

Common Oral Problems During Pregnancy

As mentioned, tooth pain in pregnancy pregnant is not uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it is something that should be ignored. In fact, being pregnant can increase your risk of oral health problems due to a wide number of factors, such as increased hormone levels (progesterone and estrogen), changes in eating habits, brushing and flossing habits changing, and so on.

  • Some pregnant women experience something called pregnancy thrush, which is caused by a yeast overgrowth of the tongue and along the inside of the cheeks. The best way to spot if you have pregnancy thrush is by looking out for milky white patches on the inside of your mouth.
  • Another common condition is swollen gums, which is another issue that you can thank your hormones for. Hormonal changes stimulate blood flow to sensitive areas in your mouth, which can give the uncomfortable experience of having a sensitive teeth pregnancy.
  • Another common cause of pregnant tooth pain is your wisdom teeth, which have been known to act up while you are carrying a baby. This is usually brought on by increased blood flow and hormone changes. So, can you get your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant? Fortunately, yes. Wisdom teeth extractions can be performed during pregnancy, although the preferred time period is during the second trimester.

Tooth pain in pregnancyCauses of Tooth Pain in Pregnancy

Toothache during pregnancy can be caused by many different things. Since your body is undergoing a lot of changes, sometimes unusual side effects occur that can be hard to explain. With that said, here are some of the most common explanations:

A buildup of plaque

While pregnant, your body sometimes changes its natural response to highlighting plaque. If your body decides to stop fighting it off as it normally does, then this plaque can begin to accumulate on your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay. In turn, this can lead to cavities and a wide range of unwanted oral issues.

Morning sickness

Believe it or not, tooth pain while pregnant can sometimes be put down to morning sickness. If your morning sickness causes you to vomit, the acid from your stomach can burn and damage your teeth, destroying the enamel. This exposes them to bacteria and can lead to further problems, such as swollen gums during pregnancy and tooth decay.

Gum disease

An estimated 75% of pregnant women suffer from gum disease while pregnant, which is known as pregnancy gingivitis. This can lead to periodontal disease, which is a serious condition that needs to be treated by a dentist.

Treatments for Tooth Pain When Pregnant

  • If you have unbearable tooth pain in pregnancy, the first and most important step you need to take is to go and see your dentist. They will check you over and make sure nothing sinister is going on with regard to your oral issues.
  • Secondly, the best treatment is to stay on top of your oral hygiene. This means regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash to keep plaque at bay and bacteria to a minimum.
  • Finally, try to stay away from very hot/cold foods since you will likely experience increased sensitivity during your pregnancy.

Tooth pain Prevention While Pregnant

As mentioned, prevention is better than the cure here. With this in mind, try to increase the frequency of your oral hygiene routine.

In addition to this, make sure you rinse out of your mouth after brushing or drink water after vomiting to get rid of any excess stomach acid that could be damaging your teeth.

Lastly, limit sugary foods and carbohydrates and try to eat a natural, clean, and balanced diet. Not only is this best for your teeth, but it is also what’s best for your baby.

Going to the Dentist During Pregnancy

Now that you know that pregnancy can make your wisdom tooth pain unbearable, as well as a wide variety of oral issues such as swollen gums and infection, you need to be prepared for visiting the dentist during your pregnancy. Many women make the mistake of thinking that it’s okay to skip their dental appointments once they are pregnant, but that is simply not true. Not only is it safe for you to visit the dentist and have procedures done, but it’s also the best thing for you to do for both you and your child.

The need for teeth removal during pregnancy is an occurrence that many women have encountered. So if you are experiencing any pain, please contact us right away to keep your teeth in good shape at any stage of life.

cavity

6 Common Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Cavity

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems of all. In fact, statistics show that 9 in 10 people will have at least one cavity at some stage, and many people have several cavities over the course of their lives. But what do cavities look like on teeth and how to know if you have a cavity? Read on for all the information you need about cavity appearance and signs you have a cavity.

What Do Cavities Look Like?

One of the most common questions people have about cavities is what do they look like? Well, the truth is that one cavity can look very different from the next. They can have different sizes and appearances. In general, they look like little holes or chips in the teeth.

They may also appear to be dark spots on the teeth, and they can vary in size, from a tiny hole in a tooth that is barely visible to a deep cavity that is almost as big as the tooth itself. Some cavities are so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye, so you could have cavities without actually seeing them.

cavity

Image by prostooleh

What Is a Cavity?

So what exactly is a cavity? Well, in the simplest terms, a cavity is a hole in your tooth. You can get cavities all around the mouth, in any of your teeth, and it’s also possible to have a cavity between teeth, too. They’re a sign of tooth decay, and rotten teeth often have many cavities.

What Causes Cavities?

How do cavities form in the first place? Well, teeth are pretty strong and naturally resistant, but they can’t stay that way forever. They get exposed to all kinds of things in the foods you eat and drinks you consume, and over time, the strong enamel coating that covers your teeth starts to wear away. 

The acid in food is particularly harmful to this enamel coating, so if you eat lots of acidic foods, the coating will break down and your teeth will have less protection. In addition, bacteria in your mouth can feed on sugary foods, creating even more acids that build up in plaque around the teeth.

As the tooth decay stages continue, the enamel is broken down and white spots on your teeth can appear. If the damage is allowed to get worse without the enamel having time to repair itself, an early cavity can start to form, growing bigger and bigger over time.

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity

Cavities are not nice to have, and it’s best to get them treated professionally as soon as you spot the signs. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with a decayed tooth and even bigger problems. Fortunately, there are quite a few warning signs that may appear to let you know when you have a cavity. Here are a few of the most common signs.

  • Toothache

A very common sign of cavities is a toothache. You might notice a dull pain in your mouth or even through the sides of your face, leading up to your head, depending on the size and depth of the cavity in question.

  • Swelling or bleeding gums

Your gums can also suffer due to cavities, too. They can swell up and start to bleed. So, if you experience any pain, inflammation, or bleeding from the gums, it’s possible that you have a cavity that needs to be treated right away.

  • Sensitivity

Many people with cavities find that their teeth become more sensitive, as the delicate nerve endings are exposed. You may therefore experience pain or discomfort when eating hot foods or drinking something that is very cold.

  • Discolored or dark spots on a tooth 

Another way to spot cavities is to take a look at your teeth in the mirror, or with the help of a friend or family member. As stated earlier, cavities often appear as dark spots on the teeth. They may be yellow, brown, or black in color.

  • Hole in the tooth

One of the most obvious signs of a cavity is when you can clearly see it as a hole in one of your teeth. Often, you will experience other signs, like pain and sensitivity, before actually being able to see a cavity in this way.

  • Bad breath

Bad breath may also be linked to cavities and tooth decay. As teeth decay and rot away due to acid, bacteria, and plaque, it’s common for unpleasant odors to start appearing. This can result in not very fresh breath.

How to Prevent Cavities

There are several steps you can take to keep cavities at bay. Here are a few simple tips to follow: 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a good quality toothpaste – ideally one that contains fluoride for cavity prevention. 
  • Floss teeth regularly after meals or in the evenings to get rid of any trapped or stuck food in between your teeth. 
  • Try to eat a balanced diet and avoid foods that are excessively sugary or acidic in high quantities. 
  • Get regular check-ups with your local dentist.

How Are Cavities Treated

If you get a cavity, it’s important to have it treated at your dentist. Cavities won’t simply heal themselves or go away on their own, and they can get bigger and lead to more severe tooth decay if left untreated. This can lead to severe toothache and discomfort, but your dentist will be able to treat the cavity. They may use different methods, depending on the depth and size of the cavity and the general health of the tooth in question. 

  • Fillings – Often, if cavities are spotted early on, they can be filled with a composite material, metal, or porcelain filling. 
  • Crowns – If the tooth decay is already quite severe, the dentist may remove the damaged section of the tooth and create a crown to cover up the damage. 
  • Root Canal – In the most serious cases, when the root of the tooth is dead or damaged, the entire nerve, blood vessels, and the decayed tooth will need to be removed and sealed up in a procedure known as a root canal.

To avoid dental cavities, practice good oral hygiene and notify your dentist if you experience any symptoms. The sooner you detect a cavity, the more likely it is that you will only require a dental filling rather than a more invasive procedure.

Our top priority is your dental health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or believe you have a cavity, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment.

halloween dental

Dental Tips for a Healthy Halloween

While most of us consider Halloween to be one of the most fun times of the year, it doesn’t mean it’s a good enough reason to abuse your teeth. Maintaining excellent oral health is, after all, a vital aspect of our general health. So, unless you want to go to a dentist’s Halloween party this year, you must stay mindful of your sweet consumption. At our dental office, we’re all for indulging, but we also want to make sure you’re enjoying a healthy Halloween. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are searching for guidance on how to keep your child’s mouth cavity-free during Halloween, here are 9 recommendations for keeping teeth healthy.

dentist Halloween

Time To Eat Halloween Candies 

If you want to give yourself the best chance to save your teeth, you must time your treats accordingly. Interestingly, eating candy during (or shortly after) mealtime helps digestion as your saliva production is already high. This helps break down the candy quicker while it is in your mouth, minimizing any chance of decay and plaque build-up. 

1. Limit Family Candy Consumption 

If you want your kids to limit their candy intake, you will have to play by the same rules. Suppose you all collectively make a promise not to consume large quantities as a family. In that case, you can all hold each other accountable and help to prevent a family dentist Halloween trip.

2. Stay Away From Sweet Snacks 

Snacking on any sort of candy treat will increase your risk of a Halloween dental mishap, but even more so if you prefer to snack on the sweet stuff. After all, sweet snacks are usually jam-packed with sugar, which, as you know, can be extremely harmful to your teeth and can cause cavities. 

3. Steer Clear Of Sticky Or Chewy Candy 

Sticky candy such as caramel, taffy, and gummy bears are notorious for causing dental issues, so do what you can to steer clear of them. The problem with these treats is that they cling to your teeth and are difficult to clean when brushing, meaning that the sugar has a longer amount of time to break down your enamel. 

4. Avoid Anything Sour 

The acidity of sour candies can cause serious harm to the enamel of your teeth. For those of you who don’t know, the enamel is the tooth’s hard outer covering protecting it. Unfortunately, enamel can actually start to disintegrate almost immediately after eating acidic food, so be aware of this if you want the Halloween dental blues.

5. Choose Sugar-Free Gums 

The more you can limit your sugar consumption, the better. If you are going to opt for some candies, then why not go for sugar-free gums? They taste great and don’t damage your teeth – plus, they are usually very low in calories, so your waistline will thank you too!

6. Reduce Sugary Drinks 

For the same reason listed above, sugary drinks are the enemy of good dental health. Drinking excessive amounts of sugary beverages such as soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks is a sure-fire way to book a dentist Halloween trip.

7. Drink More Water 

Water helps to clean your teeth and gums, washing away any residue left behind from consuming candy. 

8. Brush And Floss Teeth Soon After Eating Candy

This one is kind of a no-brainer, but you should try your best to brush your teeth after eating candies – especially if you eat sticky candy. As for flossing, decay-causing bacteria gets stuck between the teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, which is why flossing is essential after eating large quantities of candies. 

As they say: “good things come to those who floss –  like healthy teeth & gums!”

9. Eat Dinner Before Trick-Or-Treating 

Just as you should never go to the supermarket when you’re hungry, you should try to avoid going trick-or-treating with an empty stomach. Of course, when you’re hungry, you will be more likely to say yes to any candy that you’re offered, which means you’re increasing the chances of the dreaded Halloween dental trip.

Consider Dentist-Approved Healthy Alternatives To Halloween Candy 

Not all Halloween treats have to harm your teeth, so why not start the trend of a healthy alternative to the sugary candies that people typically give out? Some examples of dentist Halloween-approved treats include pretzels, granola bars, cheese, sugar-free candy, nuts, and seeds. 

Does Halloween Cause Cavities? 

Of course not! Halloween itself doesn’t cause cavities. Whether or not this year’s events will end up being a Halloween dental disaster is all down to you. Try to stay in control of what you and your children consume, and make an effort to limit the number of sugary foods you eat. While it can be difficult to say no when there are so many tasty options around, your teeth will certainly thank you for it later down the line.

Conclusion 

So, there you have it. While Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year (especially for children), you must remain responsible and set a good example by not consuming too many sugary treats. Fortunately, you don’t need to miss out on all the fun as there are tons of dental-friendly alternatives out there. Just make sure you have the self-discipline to swap out the taffy for a sugar-free treat, and you’ll be good to go!

To arrange dental cleanings and exams for the entire family, call our office today. Both are essential for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other essential issues.

Thanks for reading and Happy Halloween!

 

tooth extraction

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath after Tooth Extraction

Halitosis, or bad breath, is another frequent oral health concern across the world, similar to tooth decay.

Bad breath is a common after-effect of having a tooth extracted, as well as many other oral surgeries. Besides being unpleasant, bad breath after tooth extraction can be a sign of a bigger problem. It is usually not a cause for immediate concern, however, as many of the more serious problems that could occur after tooth extraction are accompanied by other, more noticeable symptoms.

So what causes bad breath after a tooth extraction, and what do you do about it?

Identifying The Causes of Bad Breath After Tooth Extraction

bad breath after tooth extraction

  • Bacterial Infection

Bad breath after a tooth extraction is sometimes caused by bacteria infecting the wound left by the extracted tooth. Many forms of oral bacteria create foul-smelling chemicals that are carried out of your mouth by your breath. In these cases, the bad breath is often accompanied by a fever, pus, and severe pain. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an infected wound, seek immediate treatment from your dentist.

  • Post-Surgery Bleeding

It is not uncommon for your gums to still be bleeding a little after surgery. The blood accumulating in your mouth, especially overnight, can give your breath an unpleasant smell. If bleeding persists after a tooth extraction, you should see your dentist to check if there is a problem.

  • Dry Socket

A dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot over the empty tooth socket fails to form properly or becomes dislodged, exposing the bone to debris. Dry socket is most common after wisdom tooth extractions. You are more susceptible to the risk of the dry socket if you smoke or do not follow your dentist’s post-surgery instructions.

  • Poor Oral Hygiene

It can be uncomfortable to brush your teeth properly after a tooth extraction, and a lot of people will avoid or only brush lightly over the area around where the tooth was extracted. This enables the bacterial plaque to form and can result in food getting stuck between your teeth and starting to rot, creating an unpleasant smell. 

After tooth extraction, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene, as you have a wound in your mouth that needs to be protected from infection. 

  • Dry Mouth

Besides helping you to digest food, your saliva is also an important chemical that your body uses as a natural cleaning agent for your mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in washing bacteria and the smelly chemicals they produce out of your mouth. A reduction in your saliva production prevents this process from happening properly, giving you bad breath.

Reduced saliva production is a common side effect of many of the pain medications that are prescribed after tooth extraction. Since you will have a breathing tube inserted while under anesthetic that leaves your mouth open during the surgery, it is normal to wake up with a very dry mouth after a tooth has been extracted.

How To Deal With Bad Breath After a Tooth Extraction?

The most important and effective way to treat bad breath after a tooth extraction is to maintain good oral hygiene. Buy a toothbrush with very soft bristles, and ask your dentist about the best way to brush the affected area without disturbing the healing process. After the first few days, brush and use mouthwash after every meal, and remember to brush your tongue as well as your teeth, as your tongue can carry a lot of bacteria that can easily spread to your empty tooth socket. 

Mouthwash is the fastest way to get rid of any extra bacteria that might have built up in your mouth as a result of dryness post-surgery. Most dentists advise against using mouthwash in the first 24 hours after having your tooth extracted as the wound is still fresh.

The dryness itself will contribute to the causes of bad breath after oral surgery, so drink plenty of water, but avoid excessive rinsing and spitting, as this will get rid of the saliva that protects your mouth from bacteria and cleans away chemicals that can cause odor. 

If you are a smoker, smoking can greatly reduce the rate at which a wound in your mouth will heal, makes you more susceptible to dry mouth, and also puts you at greater risk of getting a dry socket. If you cannot give up nicotine for the duration of your recovery period, consider at least switching to a delivery mechanism that does not involve smoking, such as vaping. Although this still harms wound healing, it is far less detrimental than tobacco smoke.

Conclusion

If you have a bad breath after having a tooth extracted, there is no need to panic. If you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or a fever, then it is unlikely that there is a serious problem. If your bad breath persists after a day or two, however, it is a good idea to see your dentist, both to make sure nothing is wrong and also to get their advice on what is causing it for you.

If any other negative symptoms occur after surgery, these could be a sign of something more serious and should be discussed with your dentist.

 

invisalign las vegas

What Are Braces, What Are They Used For?

Braces alternatives

Braces are dental appliances that use wire to apply pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them to correct their position and alignment. They are often used to move misaligned or crowded teeth, both for aesthetic reasons and to improve their function.

Correcting misaligned teeth can make eating more comfortable and aid your long-term teeth and gum health, by distributing the pressure of biting and chewing more evening across your teeth. Crooked teeth can also make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene by obstructing brushing or flossing.

How To Avoid Braces? What Else Can You Use Instead of Braces?

Braces can be annoying to wear, as they make it difficult to eat and keep your teeth clean. Sometimes braces are the only way to correct a problem with your teeth alignment, but for many issues, other options for braces that are less inconvenient exist. 

Some types of misaligned teeth are unavoidable without using braces to correct them, such as tooth crowded, while others are caused by childhood habits. Other types can be caused as an adult, such as bruxism

Bruxism is a contraction of facial muscles during sleep that can be caused by your genetics, but it is also a common response to stress. Bruxism can cause you to grind your teeth or bite during sleep, which can push your teeth out of alignment over time. If you experience bruxism, reducing your stress levels, especially before sleep, could prevent you from needing braces further down the line.

Another common cause of crooked teeth in adults is the arrival of wisdom teeth. It is fairly common for your wisdom teeth to come out at the wrong angle because there is not enough room, apply pressure to the rest of your teeth. Having your wisdom teeth removed early can create more room for your teeth and relieve the pressure.

Your posture while sleeping might also contribute to crooked teeth, as it can create pressure pushing your teeth inward. A similar effect can be caused by resting your chin in your hand, or anything else that results in pressure on your jaw or mouth for long periods.

The Top Alternatives to Braces

  • Retainers

Retainers are a removable wire alternative to metal braces that can make more minor adjustments to your teeth’ alignment. You don’t need to wear them all day and can take them out whenever you want. Retainers are often worn while sleeping. They can only make small changes to your bite, however, and unless the misalignment of your teeth only needs slight correction, they are often used as a follow-up to more permanent braces.

  • Aligners

Aligners are clear plastic-type non-metal braces worn over your teeth that apply pressure to move them into the correct position. Invisalign aligners are removable and do not need to be worn all day. They can correct both major structural problems and make minor realignments to correct crookedness or gaps.

  • Veneers

If you want your teeth to be realigned for purely aesthetic reasons and they are not causing you any discomfort or health issues, you could consider getting veneers. Veneers are commonly used not just to cover damaged teeth, but can also be used to cover tooth gaps and misalignments. Veneers are usually permanent or semi-permanent and some require a layer of tooth enamel to be removed to apply the veneers.

Veneers can be an easy alternative to braces for adults, but any teeth alignment issues in children should be properly corrected, as they can impact the future development of healthy teeth.

Braces Alternatives FAQs

Is There a Faster Alternative to Braces?

Braces can need to be worn for up to four years depending on the problems you are trying to correct. You can cut down this time significantly using accelerated orthodontics, which usually need to be worn for less than eight months. There are various methods of accelerated orthodontics, all of which involve causing minor deliberate damage to the bone around your teeth. For example, osteoperforation involves drilling small holes near where your teeth connect to the bone. This stimulates your bone to grow faster, making your teeth shift into the correct position at a quicker rate.

Veneers provide an instant fix but do not correct any underlying misalignment issues that might be causing you pain or poor oral health.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Braces?

Aligners are generally cheaper than braces, although they may not be as effective as braces for every issue. Retainers are also cheap but are only effective for making minor adjustments to your teeth’ alignment. Braces are costly, but they are worth the investment. Find clinics that offer dental financing for patients with convenient payment plans.

Can I Get Veneers Instead of Braces?

Getting veneers will give you the appearance of having perfectly aligned teeth straight away, but they don’t fix any underlying issues that might be causing problems in your mouth. 

teeth whitening

Different Types Of White Spots on Teeth and What They Mean

las vegas dental whitening.

Have you recently noticed white patches on your teeth? Don’t panic, they might be nothing to worry about, and they are usually simple to treat.

What Are White Spots on Teeth?

White spots on your teeth can be an early sign of decay, although in some cases it is a purely cosmetic discoloration with no implications for your health or oral hygiene. In many cases, they can be prevented or treated to remove them and prevent further discoloration.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

White spots on your teeth can be caused in adulthood, or as a child, depending on the reason. Some causes of white stains on teeth can be harmful if left unchecked, while others are benign:

The Cause of White Spots Teeth in Adults

White marks on teeth in adults are most commonly the result of the way your teeth developed as a child. Overconsumption and underconsumption of certain vitamins and minerals can affect the development of adult teeth when they are still growing. Genetics also plays a factor in how susceptible your teeth are to developing white spots.

White patches on teeth that appear after you have reached adulthood are most likely an early sign of tooth decay. They can be addressed by improving your oral hygiene and can be covered by a resin to protect the tooth and limit further decay or the development of cavities.

The Causes of White Spot Teeth in Children

White patches on teeth in children are important to address, as white spots on baby teeth can be a sign of problems that may affect the development of their adult teeth.

One of the most common causes of white spots on teeth in children is swallowing toothpaste, as its high fluoride content can affect the growth of teeth, especially children’s teeth. This is because their adult teeth are still being developed, and too much fluoride in their system will affect how their teeth grow. Although mild cases of this are effectively harmless, more severe cases can weaken and thin the enamel layer on their adult teeth because of this.

Bacterial plaque is also a common cause of white teeth spots in children, often as a result of not brushing frequently enough, or not knowing how to brush their teeth correctly. It can also be the result of wearing braces, as wearing braces can make it difficult for your child to brush every part of their teeth effectively. While discoloration caused by plaque on baby teeth will not affect a child’s adult teeth, it can be a sign of poor oral hygiene habits that will affect their adult teeth if they are not improved.

Children can also develop white spots on teeth because of vitamin deficiencies in their diet, or vitamin deficiencies in their mother’s diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Some people naturally have thinner enamel on their teeth which can lead to white spots on teeth. If you have always had white patches on your teeth that are not caused by other reasons, your children might inherit this susceptibility too. Eating too many sugary or acidic foods can also thin your child’s tooth enamel.

Different Types of White Spots on Teeth

  • Fluorosis

White patches on teeth are commonly caused by fluorosis, a condition resulting from ingesting too much fluoride. Swallowing toothpaste, drinking heavily fluoridated water, or taking fluoride supplements, are all common causes of fluorosis.

  • Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is a tooth defect involving a thinner layer of enamel on the teeth than usual. In adults, it can be the result of vitamin deficiencies or physical damage to the teeth, and genetics also play a factor.

Sugar and acidic foods and drinks can also cause thin tooth enamel by dissolving the outer layer of your tooth enamel over time, as well as providing fuel for bacterial plaque to grow. This can be exacerbated by poor oral hygiene, as sugars and acids will do more damage the longer they are left on your teeth.

  • Demineralization

The accumulation of bacterial plaque on your teeth can decalcify your enamel over time. In these cases, the white spots are early signs of cavities that can be reversed if quickly addressed. Demineralization is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and is common for people who wear braces, as they can make cleaning your teeth more difficult.

  • Low Calcium Diet

Calcium is a vital mineral for the growth of healthy teeth. Increasing your intake of calcium can prevent or even reverse the development of white spots on teeth.

How Can I Get Rid Of White Spots On Teeth?

The best way to deal with white patches on teeth is to prevent them with good oral hygiene and to see a dentist at the first sign of white marks so they can advise you on the type of white spots you have and how to treat them. 

Treatments may include:

  • Topical fluoride may be prescribed if white spots are caused by a fluoride deficiency.
  • Micro-abrasion removes a layer of enamel from your teeth, which can remove some discolorations and stains.
  • Dentists can provide tooth whitening treatments to give your teeth a more uniform white color. Other tooth whitening products are available without a prescription, such as toothpaste, gels, and strips. These can take longer to work than dental bleaching treatments.
  • Veneers attach to the front of your teeth to hide the discoloration. They can be made to look very natural, although cheap or badly applied veneers can be easy to spot.

Conclusion

White spots on teeth can be caused by various factors in both childhood and adulthood. If you notice white spots on your teeth or your child’s teeth, talk to your dentist about it as there is plenty you can do about it. More importantly, the problem could get worse if you don’t address it on time.

Digital Radiographs in Summerlin

The Importance of the “Right” Bite