Mild fluorosis, the most common type in the United States, is not considered serious and is mainly a cosmetic defect. Keep in mind that this type of natural repair can only take place if you change the conditions that allowed the white spot to form initially. Preventing further damage or a recurrence of the lesion is vital to continued tooth health. What if you suddenly see white spots or white lines near your gums? Parents should be vigilant while teaching small children to brush their teeth. A procedure termed "microabrasion" offers another possible remedy. The earliest visible sign of tooth decay. White Gums around Teeth. (Dixon) (Fluoride products must be. In separate papers, both Arruda and Dixon discussed studies that had evaluated the prevalence of white spot lesions among orthodontic patients. As a result, the surface of the affected area starts to lose its shine and glossiness, and overall the lesion begins to take on a lighter, chalky-white appearance. It also causes temporary discoloration of the teeth and gums (the varnish has a slight tan color). The importance in differentiating between these two states lies in what treatment options are considered possible and appropriate. Beyond the simplistic techniques just discussed, many dentists will have some type of specialized, high-tech device that when held to the tooth can help them to determine the current status of its white spot lesions (differentiate between a lesion that just requires minimal or conservative treatment vs. an outright cavity). For some deeper spots or for patients who prefer to have the spots completely disappear, additional treatments with microabrasion, where an abrasive paste is rubbed into the teeth and resurfaces the enamel, or resin infiltration, where tooth-colored resin fills in deeper lesions to improve the look and the strength of the tooth, may be able to help achieve the desired appearance. One study determined that on average this technique was able to reduce the size of white spots by 83%. White spot lesions are frequently found near the gum line (areas that have been difficult to keep plaque-free). Cavities are usually caused by some combination of ineffective brushing and flossing, and inappropriate sugar consumption. / How to prevent them. In comparison, those related to cavity formation develop on areas of enamel that previously looked normal. As the surface and subsurface changes progress, they affect the optical (light-handling) properties of the enamel. Dean JA, et al. - Reasons why they form. A white spot lesion that has been properly treated will regain luster and lose its odd matte appearance when dry. Only an examination by your dentist can lead to a decision that any specific white spot does or does not require treatment. One study investigating this point found only 15% of orthodontic patients rinsed daily as instructed. If so, there are some relatively less-invasive remedies that might be attempted. White spots that develop on tooth enamel are usually an indication of tooth decay formation. This is a process where the surface of the tooth is worn and polished down using a hydrochloric acid and pumice mixture. All rights reserved. The tooth enamel that lies underneath the bracket will remain unchanged. ... Black lines on teeth near gums. Maintaining a healthy pH in the mouth and ensuring enough salivary flow to protect the tooth should be top priorities for long term management. Are white spots on the teeth a cause for concern? Dealing with Dental Fluorosis. While none of the approaches above may give perfect results, if passable they can help to avoid the need for an outright repair (such as placing a filling or veneer), and the long-term maintenance required with it. If so, their use may help to inhibit the formation of white spot lesions. The development of white gums around the teeth is not normal and it might be an indication of an oral problem. Probably not, but it could be. Arruda AO, et al. Skipping dental visits, spotty hygiene habits, or poor brushing technique can lead to white spots near the gum line where plaques were heaviest. True to their name, affected areas have an opaque, chalky-white appearance that's lighter in color than neighboring undamaged areas. Talk to your dentist to help evaluate all the sources of fluoride your child encounters and develop an appropriate plan for getting just the right amount. But what happens when the spots are not brown? They also, unfortunately, can cause hard to clean spots on the teeth. It’s easy enough to see a brown spot on a tooth and know something is wrong. One newer approach for treating white spots involves first etching the lesion's surface with an acid conditioner and then bonding a flowable tooth-colored dental restorative into and over it. And if dental plaque is allowed to accumulate and persist around their brackets (the part that's bonded directly to their teeth), white-spot lesions may form. Dixon J. Healthy gum tissue is supposed to appear as pink or dark in color depending on melanin amount on the skin. Cause of hard white stuff When you don’t maintain your dental health properly, plaque and tartar starts to slowly build up on the teeth … Someone having braces removed wants the best smile of their life, so extra vigilance in an oral care routine is warranted while using dental appliances. Mild fluorosis appears blotchy, with scattered areas of lacy, white flecks, or chalky spots on the surface of the teeth. To serious consequences all, is not normal and it might be attempted is dull, the... Or chalky spots on the teeth is not considered serious and is mainly a cosmetic defect (... Aesthetic concerns can be managed by careful tooth whitening to blend the color with the largest white lesions. 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