White Spot Removal in Buffalo, NY

Experienced Buffalo Dentists Providing Affordable White Spot Removal Services

Unlike other dental issues, such as plaque buildup, there are a variety of ways to correct or mask white spots on teeth. Chemical compounds that contain fluoride, a common version of the gas fluorine, are essential in the prevention of cavities. Enamel, the firm white coating on the outside of the teeth, can regenerate when exposed to fluoride, which weakens bacteria’s ability to create tooth-destroying acid. Fluoride is crucial to the development and maintenance of the teeth, but the consumption of too much fluoride has the potential to be detrimental to oral health.

Dental fluorosis, a form of fluoride toxicity that effects the mouth, can permanently stain or even corrode the teeth in the condition’s most severe stages. Severe dental fluorosis is relatively rare, but the mildest form of the disease can be detected by the appearance of telltale white stains on the enamel. These white spots indicate that a person has merely ingested too much fluoride over a short period, and not that full-fledged fluorosis has taken hold. Nevertheless, because uniform coloring is considered essential to a perfect smile, though these spots have no negative effects on the integrity of a tooth, a popular dental treatment has emerged that involves the removal of white spots caused by fluoride overconsumption.

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White Spot Removal Dentist in Buffalo, NYThe fluoridation of much of the drinking water in the United States in the mid-twentieth century led to a sharp decline in the incidence of dental caries, or cavities, among adults and children. Fluoride naturally occurs in groundwater, but its addition to drinking water was a boon to preventative dentistry from coast to coast. Whereas the dental health of the majority of U.S. Americans did improve as a result of this fluoridation, there are regions of North America, such as the southern shore of Lake Ontario, in which fluoride in the groundwater is naturally overabundant. People living in these areas are inherently prone to developing fluorosis from drinking groundwater unless much of the fluoride is removed prior to consumption. Other common sources of fluorosis are dental care products themselves, which are normally harmless but can pose a threat when swallowed. Regular ingestion of toothpaste and oral rinses increases the quantity of fluoride in the body, potentially causing the appearance of fluorosis symptoms.

Another prevalent cause of white spots is the demineralization of enamel due to bacterial infection. When poor oral hygiene practices or injuries from trauma weaken the stability and strength of enamel, bacteria can accumulate and infiltrate the cracks in a tooth. Whereas bacteria are often responsible for the incidence of cavities, which darken teeth to a noticeable degree, bacterial infection can have the opposite effect as well. The bacteria reduce hydroxyapatite, a chief component of bone tissue, into smaller compounds, thereby creating microscopic holes in the enamel. These holes can slowly fill with fluid, creating the white blemishes characteristic of demineralization.

A relatively simple method of healing discoloration is by chewing gum that contains CPP-ACP (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate), a compound also known by the brand name Recaldent® that helps enamel to rebuild. More comprehensive procedures are available through visits to a dentist, though, who may recommend resin infiltration or topical remineralization therapy. When applied to the enamel, a resin infiltrant attacks pockets where hydroxyapatite breakdown has occurred and restores the enamel to its original surface hardness. In order to retain the effects of resin infiltration, use of a prescription toothpaste can provide therapeutic remineralization, repairing the pores in the teeth that permitted bacteria to invade and bleach the enamel.

FAQ About White Spot Removal

Do White Spots on Teeth Go Away?

White spots on teeth are common with many individuals. There are a number of treatment options you can try to see if they will go away. Microabrasion is the first treatment you can try; it is when a layer of enamel is removed from the surface of the teeth using mild abrasion. Having your teeth whitened is another option along with veneers, chin straps and nasal decongestants.

Why Do I Have A White Spot on My Tooth?

There are a few different causes for white spots on teeth including dental fluorosis, poor dental hygiene, enamel hypoplasia and sugary or acidic foods. It is possible that you developed dental fluorosis when you were younger due to consuming too much fluoride. If tooth enamel does not form properly you cane end up with white spots on your teeth. This can increase you risk of developing tooth decay.

Does Dental Fluorosis Go Away?

It does not matter how often you brush and floss if you have dental fluorosis it will not go away. Some children may be teased for fluorosis since in mild cases it will look like the teeth are rotten when they are not.

Can White Spots on Teeth After Braces Be Removed?

They can be removed. The first step is to repair the spots that have been weakened. You will need to remineralizer the white spots so you will mainly be using a nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride remineralizing product. You can also get your teeth whitened by a professional. If you have white spots that are severe it is possible that your dentist can use resin to bring back your normal appearance of enamel.

Is Dental Fluorosis Dangerous?

In most cases dental fluorosis is not dangerous, and your health is not affected in any way. For most people fluorosis is not even noticeable and is sometimes only noticed by a dentist during an examination. It is possible for fluorosis to make people more resistant to tooth decay.

 

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Schedule an appointment with Teach Dental Group today! Our experienced Buffalo dentists provide affordable white spot removal treatment and have been serving the Buffalo and greater Buffalo community for over 40 years.

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