Kids and Teeth from Babyhood to University

Many people dream of having white teeth. However, sometimes you may develop unsightly white patches on your teeth. Below is a guide to 5 possible causes of white spots on your teeth and the steps you can take to prevent them.

Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips have become a highly popular way of performing DIY cosmetic dental treatments. However, these DIY teeth whitening kits can have unpredictable results. If you leave the strip in place for too long, it can result in one area of a tooth becoming severely bleached. If you wish to whiten your teeth, it is always better to book an appointment with your local dentist.

Bad Oral Hygiene

If you fail to floss or brush your teeth on a regular basis, you may develop dental problems which result in the formation of white patches on the surface of your teeth. These white areas are a result of acids which are produced by bacteria in your mouth. By brushing your teeth twice a day, as recommended by the Australian Dental Association, you can help to reduce the level of bad bacteria in your mouth.

Acidic Food and Drink

Food and drinks such as lemons, candy and soda can all cause your teeth to develop white patches. This is because the acid contained within these drinks attacks the surface of your teeth and damages the enamel. The enamel which is exposed by this decay will often appear lighter in colour compared to the surrounding surface of the tooth.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth can spell disaster for your dental health. Saliva helps to protect your teeth by attacking bacteria within your mouth and washing away plaque and food debris. A lack of saliva creates the perfect environment in which bacteria can thrive, leading to white spots on your teeth. If you have a dry mouth, you should take regular sips of water and chew gum to help to stimulate saliva production.

Braces

If you have been fitted with braces and you do not take proper care of them or your oral health, this could cause white spots on your teeth. Braces can make it difficult to reach every part of your teeth when you brush them, which can result in white patches forming where the braces touch your teeth. If you wear braces, you should use floss and toothpicks to ensure you are thoroughly cleaning your teeth.

If you would like further advice about maintaining your oral health, you should contact a dentist today.