Your baby growing their first set of teeth can be a troublesome period. On one hand, they’ll begin to eat solid foods soon, on the other hand, it’s an uncomfortable process.
But the few weeks of discomfort makes way for their first milk teeth. And they will have the cutest smile you’ve ever seen.
Now, much like adults, a baby’s teeth also has enamel that gives it the natural white shade. So, unless your child stars in the next toothpaste advert for babies, they won’t have a set of pearly white teeth.
When a child’s teeth are brighter than the natural enamel, it could be a sign of other issues. These are calcium spots on teeth and can happen due to fluorosis or tooth decay.
If you do notice that your child’s teeth are whiter than they need to be, there may be a cause for concern. But don’t worry, calcium spots on teeth can be treated with the right attention and care.
And to make things simpler for you, we break down the causes, symptoms and treatment for the same.
Calcium Spots On Teeth Caused By Fluorosis
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One of the most common reasons for calcium spots is fluorosis. It can sometimes appear as white streaks or sometimes appear as small, irregular spots. It’s rarely visible or will only be visible during a close dental exam.
This condition develops when a baby gets excessive fluoride while the teeth are growing below the gum surface. As you may know, fluoride is beneficial to the growing tooth and a great strengthener and protector of the tooth enamel.
It also helps keep the teeth hard and healthy when combined with other minerals that comprise the hard, outer shell that protects the inner tooth. But excessive fluoride is a problem. It can occur due to the following:
- Oral rinses
- Kids swallowing instead of spitting fluoridated toothpaste
- Presence of excessive fluoride levels where you live
Calcium spots created by excessive fluoride aren’t weak spots in the teeth. In fact, they’ll be stronger than the surrounding enamel. However, this is a cosmetic issue and can hamper your child’s confidence.
A simpler way to get rid of fluoride white spots is by teaching your child proper brushing techniques as well as other dental hygiene habits.
Calcium Spots On Teeth Caused By Tooth Decay
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Another and more serious cause for calcium spots on teeth could be tooth decay. The white spots are usually a symptom that tooth decay is in its initial stages.
Baby teeth that appear dry or chalky and are visible at the gum need to be checked by a paediatric dentist. One of the major reasons for tooth decay, in this case, is the loss of minerals from the enamel.
Over time, these white spots will turn yellow or brown if left unchecked and require more extensive treatment to get rid of the same.
Dentists are likely to apply topical fluoride to the baby’s teeth to remove any plaque. However, this will be possible in the early stages when the calcium spots are still white and developing.
The fluoride essentially replaces the lacking minerals and strengthens the enamel.
At the same time, parents will need to take care of the child’s oral care and avoid the formation of decay spots. Your dentist may also recommend using toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent recurring cavities.
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