What Causes White Spots on Baby Teeth?

You're focused on making sure your child eats healthy, balanced meals, gets plenty of physical and brain-stimulating activities, and develops properly. Understandably, you get worried whenever you notice something unusual. For example, those white spots on their teeth - should you be concerned about them?

Keep reading to find out what causes white spots on baby teeth and when you need to be worried about them.

Causes of White Spots on Baby Teeth

White spots on baby teeth don't always mean that something is wrong with their oral health. Sometimes they appear just because that's how their teeth are. Other times, they may indicate a cavity.

Here's what to look for.

Tooth Decay

White spots on baby teeth could indicate that your child is dealing with a cavity or tooth decay. If that's the case, then you will notice that the white spots develop along the line where the tooth meets the gums. If left untreated, the white spots will eventually turn yellow and then brown as the decay progresses.

The good news is that this type of decay can be stopped if it's caught in the early phases. The dentist will clean the plaque and tartar from your child's teeth then instruct you to monitor their oral hygiene carefully and come for routine visits. You will have to brush their teeth daily using fluoride toothpaste to prevent the decay from growing. Your Alexandria pediatric dentist may also recommend dental sealants to offer your little one's teeth an extra layer of protection.

Fluorosis

White spots can also appear on your child's teeth if they've been overexposed to fluoride. Although it may sound concerning, fluorosis doesn't cause any harm, and the issue it's purely cosmetic. Even so, you should make sure that your child is getting an adequate amount of fluoride for their age. Ensure that their toothpaste doesn't contain more than 1000 ppm fluoride and that they spit it after brushing their teeth.

Weak Enamel

Sometimes, white spots on baby teeth can be caused by a genetic predisposition. For example, if you or someone in your family has a weak enamel, your child may have inherited it too. Or, if your child was born prematurely, they may have a weaker enamel that's more prone to getting cavities. If that's the case, you need to ensure that your little one sees a pediatric dentist routinely for preventive check-ups and care.

Their Diet

If your child consumes lots of acidic or sugary foods, that can affect the enamel and create white spots on their teeth.

Worried About Your Child's Oral Health?

Whether it's white spots, teething, decay, or a stubborn baby tooth that doesn't want to fall out, at Kingstowne Dental Specialists we will make sure that your little one's oral health is in top condition.

Contact us online to book your appointment or call us at (703) 493-0622 to learn more about our services.