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DR. JOSEPH CIPRIANO

White Spots on Teeth and How to Correct Them

White spots on teeth are a cause of concern to many, but they're generally nothing to be concerned about. We're talking about white spots on teeth and how they can be corrected.

One of the common questions that we get here at Healthy Smiles Staten Island is patients wondering about white spots on teeth. It's a common occurrence. It's so common in fact, that it's one of the biggest questions we're asked. The good news is that it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if you don't like the look of it, the better news is that it can be corrected. Today, we're talking about what white spots on teeth are and how they can be corrected.

What are White Spots on Teeth

While there's a long, scientific explanation of what these spots are, we're going to keep it simple. Those white spots on the teeth are a decalcification on the surface of the enamel. Tooth enamel is made up of calcium. When you see white spots on your teeth, you're seeing areas of the enamel that is losing its calcium. So they're essentially a weakening or softening of the enamel.

Usually, these white spots are nothing to be concerned about. However, because these areas have lost some of their calcium, they are weaker than the surrounding tooth enamel. It's important to pay special attention to your oral hygiene and never put off your checkups because these areas are more prone to cavities.

How Can White Spots on Teeth be Avoided

Because these spots are caused by decalcification, the first thing is to obviously eat a diet with plenty of calcium. The chances of developing these spots greatly lessens when your body has the calcium it needs to feed your enamel. Eat foods rich in calcium to keep that enamel strong and healthy.

Another important factor in preventing the decalcification process is avoiding things that can damage the enamel. Soda and candy should be avoided as the sugar damages the teeth. In addition, fruit juices should be consumed in moderation. Finally, swish with water after eating any sugary food.

Treating White Spots

Here at Healthy Smiles, we use a procedure called Icon to eliminate white spots on teeth. It's a non-invasive procedure that requires no drilling or numbing. We use a specialized material that is essentially painted on to the surface of the tooth where white spots are present. The substance then infiltrates the enamel layer and makes the white spots virtually disappear.

If you have white spots on your teeth book an appointment with us today. We're a trusted family dentist in Staten Island, and we can help you keep your teeth as healthy as possible to help prevent those spots from becoming something else. We can also help you get rid of them if you'd like. Stop by and see us. We look forward to helping you!