How can I get rid of white spots on my tooth? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 2

This is a very good question about white spots on teeth.

There are a few reasons for white spots and ways to get rid of them.

Reasons for white spots are:

1. Dental flourosis

People usually get this if they consumed too much fluoride when they were young.

2. Enamel hypoplasia

This occurs when people's tooth enamel does not form properly, which can cause an increase in tooth decay.

3. Dental hygiene

White spots can be caused by plaque or appear on the teeth of someone who wears braces, or eats too many acidic or sugary foods.

Treatment options for white spots on teeth are:

1. Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can help to reduce the appearance of white spots and stains.
There are two types of teeth whitening.

They are chair side whitening and home bleaching kit whitening.

2. Dental veneers

Veneer are thin, protective coverings that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth, which conceal the white spots.

3. Tooth polishing

With this procedure, small amounts of enamel from the teeth can be reduced, and it can reduce the apprearance of the white spots.

4. Resin composite filling

Resin composite filling can be done to cover up the appearance of white spots on teeth.

5. Topical fluoride

Fluoride treatment can be used to encourage the development of the enamel and prevent further decay.

The white spot on the front of your tooth is called a fluorosis spot.

Mild Fluorosis spots appear as opaque white patches on enamel and usually pose no harm to the tooth other than having a glaring appearance which can cause an aesthetic concern.

Dental fluorosis is caused by a higher than normal amount of fluoride ingestion whilst teeth are forming as a child and there are different degrees of severity of fluorosis. In your picture, your fluorosis can be classified as mild.

The following treatments options are available to treat fluorosis:

1. Tooth bleaching followed by Icon Resin Infiltration

2. Direct composite bondings

3. Direct composite veneers

4. Indirect porcelain veneers.

Option 1 would be the most conservative and option 4 would be the least conservative.

From my experience, in your case, we would most likely be able to solve your problem with either option 1 or 2.

If option 1 and 2 fails, you can always move down the line with option 3 or 4.

I hope this information helps you and i wish you all the best in finding a dentist you can trust and have rapport with!

Kind Regards,

Dr Gerald Tan

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