Not all teeth are a uniform shade, and you may notice small white spots on your enamel. While they can be a cosmetic concern, these spots can point to a couple of underlying conditions. One common cause is fluorosis, which occurs when a person consumes too much fluoride during the years of tooth formation (childhood).
The most common cause we see is actually decalcification, which is the first sign of tooth decay. This occurs when plaque acid leaches minerals from the enamel surface, creating a dull, chalky-white spot where a cavity is starting to form. For these spots, better hygiene and fluoride application can often stop the decay in its tracks. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment can range from better at-home care and professional fluoride treatments to micro-abrasion or cosmetic bonding to blend the spot with the rest of the tooth.
