Why Do I Have White Spots on My Front Teeth?

Most people are happier when they have a bright, white smile. White spots on your teeth, however, can indicate a problem.

At Smile Design Manhattan in New York City, we understand what causes those unsightly white spots. Even better, we now have a state-of-the-art treatment to remove them. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes white spots on your teeth?

White spots on your teeth, also called white spot lesions, usually indicate the presence of tooth decay. This decay can develop for a variety of reasons:

Diet

A diet full of sugary foods and acidic drinks can eat away at the enamel on the front of your teeth, causing the white spots.

Demineralization

Similarly, poor oral hygiene can wear away (or demineralize) your tooth enamel. Not brushing, flossing, or visiting the dentist for regular checkups can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria that can eat away at your enamel, causing the white spots. 

This process often affects the teeth of those undergoing orthodontic treatment, when it’s hard to clean all the teeth properly.

Fluorosis

Exposure to too much fluoride, especially when your teeth are still developing, can also lead to white spots. Too much fluoride, a condition known as fluorosis, can result from consuming over-fluoridated water, swallowing toothpaste, or taking fluoride supplements.

Introducing an advanced treatment for white spots

Dentists traditionally remove white spots by drilling them out and filling the resulting hole with a composite material that matches your tooth. They might also recommend covering your teeth with veneers or using a bleaching agent to whiten them to the same shade.

Here at Smile Design Manhattan, though, we’re excited about a new technology revolutionizing this treatment process: the Icon® resin infiltration system.

This noninvasive procedure requires no anesthesia or drilling. We apply a gel-like material to your tooth that accomplishes three things: It penetrates the white spot, fills and seals the area where the decay occurred, and stabilizes the enamel. 

Icon treatment takes less than an hour; when it’s finished, the area where you had white spots looks identical to the healthy enamel around it. This treatment increases the life expectancy of your teeth and is more cost-effective than fillings or veneers.

If you’re tired of seeing white spots on your teeth when you look in the mirror, our team at Smile Design Manhattan has a solution. Call our Midtown office today, or schedule your appointment online.