What White Spots on Teeth Mean
White spots on tooth enamel frequently indicate an initial stage of demineralization. This process involves the loss of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, from the tooth’s outermost layer, the enamel. When demineralization occurs, the naturally translucent enamel becomes porous, scattering light differently and appearing opaque or chalky white.
The demineralization process can be influenced by various factors that disrupt the delicate balance between mineral loss and mineral gain in the enamel. For instance, prolonged exposure to acids produced by oral bacteria, or from dietary sources, can draw out these protective minerals. While demineralization is the first step toward cavity formation, it is often reversible in its early stages through remineralization, where minerals are redeposited onto the enamel surface. Recognizing these spots early allows for interventions to strengthen the enamel before a cavity fully develops.
How Dehydration Affects Your Teeth
Illness frequently leads to dehydration, which directly impacts the body’s ability to produce sufficient saliva. A reduction in saliva flow, known as xerostomia or dry mouth, compromises the mouth’s natural protective mechanisms. Saliva acts as a natural cleansing agent, washing away food particles and harmful bacteria from tooth surfaces.
Saliva also contains bicarbonate, which helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and those introduced through diet. This neutralization is a significant defense against enamel demineralization. Furthermore, saliva is supersaturated with calcium and phosphate ions, minerals essential for remineralizing and strengthening tooth enamel. When saliva production diminishes due to dehydration during sickness, these protective functions are significantly weakened, leaving teeth more vulnerable to mineral loss and making existing demineralized white spots more noticeable due to the drier surface.
The Role of Acid Exposure During Sickness
Certain symptoms associated with illness, such as vomiting or acid reflux, can expose tooth enamel to highly corrosive stomach acids. Gastric acid has a pH ranging from 1.5 to 3.5, making it highly acidic and capable of rapidly dissolving tooth enamel. This direct acid contact causes enamel erosion, a distinct process from demineralization, though both soften and lead to tooth structure loss. Repeated exposure to these strong acids can make existing demineralized areas more prominent or create new areas of enamel thinning.
Beyond direct acid regurgitation, even frequent coughing or nasal congestion can indirectly contribute to oral acidity. These conditions often lead to increased mouth breathing, especially during sleep, which significantly dries out the oral cavity. A reduced salivary flow due to mouth breathing diminishes its ability to neutralize acids and rinse away debris, creating an environment where acids linger, accelerating enamel wear and contributing to white spots.
Medications and Oral Care When Unwell
Common medications taken during illness can contribute to changes in oral health, including the appearance of white spots. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and some pain relievers, list dry mouth as a known side effect. This reduction in saliva production further compounds the issues of dehydration, diminishing the mouth’s natural defenses against acid attacks and demineralization.
Liquid medications, including many cough syrups, antacids, and children’s pain relievers, often contain high levels of sugar or are inherently acidic. These ingredients can directly contribute to enamel erosion or provide a substrate for oral bacteria to produce more acid, accelerating demineralization. When individuals feel unwell, their regular oral hygiene routines, such as brushing and flossing, may also become less consistent. This temporary lapse allows plaque and acids to remain on tooth surfaces longer, promoting mineral loss and making white spots more pronounced.
When to Consult a Dentist
If white spots on your teeth persist long after you have recovered from an illness, it is advisable to consult a dental professional. A dental visit is also warranted if these spots are accompanied by increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or if you notice any pain in the affected areas. Seeking professional advice is important if the white spots appear to be enlarging or if new spots develop without a clear explanation. A dentist can accurately assess the cause of the white spots and recommend appropriate treatments, which might include fluoride applications or other remineralization therapies, to prevent further enamel damage.