The Meaning Of Baby Teeth White Spots
Baby teeth play an important role in your child’s life. Baby teeth help in speech development, nutritional support, and save space for the adult teeth to erupt. Even though baby teeth are important around 45% of children under the age of 5 have never been to the dentist. If baby teeth white spots are present on your child’s teeth, consult a dentist to help identify why.
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The Life-Span Of Baby Teeth
The start of primary teeth erupting will happen around 8 months and end around 33 months. Baby teeth have smaller roots and thinner enamel. It’s important to establish a good oral hygiene routine and dental visits as soon as the first tooth comes in. Common signs and symptoms of baby teeth erupting are:
- Red, sore gums where the tooth will be pushing through
- Irritability
- Flushed cheeks or a rash on their face
- Increased drooling
- Grabbing at the ear
- More restless and not sleeping as well
- Increased gnawing or chewing actions
- Low-grade fever or diarrhea
For additional information on baby teeth and adult teeth growing in and falling out, check out our article Preparing for Teeth Erupting.
What Are Baby Teeth White Spots
There are several reasons why your child might have baby teeth white spots. Working with your dental professionals can help identify the cause and how to properly care for these teeth. Common causes of white spots on baby teeth are:
- Demineralization: When the minerals that make up the enamel layer of the tooth are compromised, decalcification or demineralization occurs. This weakening and destruction of the enamel cause permanent white spots on the teeth.
- Causes include poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled bacteria, and a poor diet.
- Cavities: Demineralized enamel is the start of cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria that destroy the tooth and can lead to an infection if left untreated.
- Check out our Avoiding Cavities In Kids article for more information.
- Fluorosis: When the teeth are forming under the gums, over-exposure to fluoride over a long period of time can cause white blotches on the teeth.
- Fluoride sources include fluoridated drinking water, fluoridated dental products, and prescribed fluoride supplements.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This enamel defect occurs when the teeth are developing and is compromised causing the teeth to have white spots
- Causes include trauma to the teeth, vitamin deficiency, certain hereditary diseases, and prenatal disturbances.
White Spot Cavities
Your child’s dental team will create a treatment plan based on your child’s age, behavior at the dentist, and the severity and amount of cavities in their mouth.
- Call your dentist to schedule an appointment – children should see the dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and x-rays.
- Keep the area clean and establish a strong home care routine. Assist your child in brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes with a mineralizing toothpaste and flossing daily.
- Identify and remove any cavity-causing factors in your child’s routine.
Caring For Children's Teeth
Working with your child to build good oral hygiene practices will help reduce their risk for cavities. We recommend helping your children with brushing and flossing up until age 8. This will help prevent baby teeth white spots. Ways to prevent future cavities are:
- Brushing: We recommend helping children brush every morning and right before bed for 2 minutes, 2 times a day. Teach your kids to use small circular strokes, inside and out.
- Flossing: When the baby molars start touching each other, it’s time to start helping your child floss. Start with floss picks until they’re ready to graduate to string floss.
- Check out our Floss For Kids article!
- Sugar: Place sugary drinks like juice at milk at mealtimes. Encourage water drinking in between meals throughout the day. Never put your child to bed with a drink that’s not water. Milk and juice will break down into sugar and pool around the teeth causing cavities.
- Diet: Minimize snacking and encourage sitting down for meals. This decreases feeding bacteria and minimizes the time involved in the exposure.
- Avoid gummy vitamins. They are very sticky and full of sugar making them just like candy.
For more ways to improve your child’s oral health, read our Children’s Dental Health Guide article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can white spots on baby teeth go away?
Depending on the reason for the baby teeth white spots, they may not go away on their own or remain permanent. Work with your dental professionals to help support your child’s teeth.
Can milk cause white spots on teeth?
Milk is a common cause of white spots on baby teeth. Milk breaks down to sugar in the mouth and leads to weakened enamel and cavities. Avoid sending your child to bed with milk that will pool around the teeth and cause white spots.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
