It’s not an infrequent occurrence for dentists to see patients who have begun to develop brown spots on their teeth. If you’ve begun to see brown spots develop on your teeth, don’t waste time getting in to see your dentist. They can provide options to eliminate or prevent them through different treatment options or lifestyle changes. The color of these spots ranges from yellowish-brown to black-brown and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some people develop brown lines, while others see them form in blotchy, irregular patches. We’re going to talk a little about what causes these brown spots, prevention, and how to treat them.
The Origin Of Brown Spot Fluorosis
One of the most common origins of brown spot fluorosis is our food and drink choices. Sources of tannic acid such as strong teas, coffee, or red wine can cause someone to develop these brown spots. When combined with poor dental hygiene, there’s a significant chance for these spots to become permanent. Other common sources of brown spot fluorosis include:
- Tobacco Use – Whether you smoke cigarettes or opt for chew, using tobacco opens the door to brown spot fluorosis. These substances contain minute particles that can slip into the microscopic pores on the teeth. Over time these stains can build and can be significantly harder to remove than other brown spot sources.
- Tartar – Food particles and saliva in the mouth that remain in the mouth can help bacteria form plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that is translucent and can harden over time into calculus, also known as tartar. At this stage, it requires professional help to remove it from your teeth.
- Tooth Decay – When food and sugar are eaten by Streptococcus Mutans,it creates acid as a byproduct. This acid then proceeds to attack the enamel of our teeth, weakening and ultimately thinning it. As it things our teeth can begin to allow more of the yellow from the underlying dentin to show through. Eventually, these will form into holes in the teeth.
- Aging – Our teeth naturally degrade throughout our lives from normal wear and tear. Over time this can result in large discolored patches forming on the teeth, often in the aforementioned yellow-brown color.
- Genetics – Genetics represents a common source of oral health concerns, including those that can lead to brown-spot fluorosis. Conditions such as weak tooth enamel, imperfect teeth, and issues with bone formation can all result from our genetic heritage. These conditions can also lead to brown-spot fluorosis.
This list represents the most common origins of brown spot fluorosis in dental patients.
How Your Dentist Might Treat The Condition
How your brown-spot fluorosis is treated will have a significant dependence on its source. Regular dental hygiene practices can help reverse many of the milder causes of this discoloration. In other cases, more direct intervention may be required. When staining is the primary concern, a dental whitening procedure might be able to provide effective relief. In more severe cases advanced dental care may be needed, and restorative dental efforts are needed. Speak to your dentist to determine what approach best suits your oral health.
