White Spot Lesions (Demineralisation of Teeth)
Have you noticed white spots on your teeth? Your Keysborough dentist may refer to these as white spot lesions (WSL) or tooth demineralisation. These are early signs of enamel damage (early decay or early caries), which appear as white patches along the “neck” of the tooth, at the gumline. White Spot Lesions usually result from prolonged plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene.
Causes of Demineralisation / White Spot Lesions?
The main cause of white spot lesions is inadequate plaque removal, which leads to acid-producing bacteria eroding the enamel. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can also increase the risk, as it fuels plaque build-up and accelerates enamel breakdown.
Common causes include:
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- High-sugar diet
- Orthodontic appliances like braces that trap food and plaque (bacteria)
Signs and Concerns
Symptoms of early tooth enamel demineralisation can vary, but may include:
- Visible white or yellow spots—often near the gum line or between teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweet foods and drinks
- Increased white, yellow, brown or black staining, enamel chipping, especially near the gum margins
- In some cases, the white spots (early tooth decay) may progress deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentine layer and requiring more extensive treatment like root canals.
Treatment Options for Early Tooth Demineralisation
The treatment for early white spot lesions depends on how advanced the enamel damage is. Early-stage lesions can sometimes be reversed or halted without invasive procedures.
Effective treatment options include:
- Improving oral hygiene practices: Brush twice daily and floss regularly
- Reducing sugar intake and improving your diet
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups, cleans, and x-rays to monitor progress
- Using high-fluoride toothpaste or prescription dental products as recommended by your dentist
- If the enamel has significantly broken down, restorative treatments such as fillings, enamel microabrasion, or even veneers may be required.
- Some dentist advocate the use of Tooth Mousse (Plus) which has been shown to improve the remineralisation process over a long period of time.
Preventing Further Damage
Preventing early tooth demineralisation and white spot lesions are achievable with consistent care and healthy habits:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth and prevent plaque build-up
- Maintain a balanced diet low in sugar
- Ask your dental professional about fluoride treatments, toothpastes, or remineralising creams (eg. Tooth Mousse) if you’re at higher risk
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Frequently Asked Questions For White Spot Lesions (Early Enamel Demineralisation)
Do white spots on teeth disappear?
Unfortunately, white spot lesions typically do not resolve on their own. If the appearance bothers you, cosmetic treatments such as tooth fillings, enamel microabrasion, or veneers may be recommended.
Does Teeth whitening remove white spots?
No, teeth whitening does not remove white spots. In fact, whitening treatments may make them appear more prominent because the whitening process can dehydrate teeth further and make it appear whiter. This then contrasts more with the healthy surrounding enamel.
I just finished braces and I can see these white spots on my teeth!
Braces can make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene. When plaque builds up around the brackets, it can lead to enamel demineralisation. This is why thorough brushing and flossing are crucial during orthodontic treatment.
Are white spots a sign of tooth decay?
White spot lesions are a precursor to tooth decay. If left untreated, they can progress deeper into the tooth and form a cavity, which then requires a tooth filling or other dental restoration.
