White spots on teeth can be a sign of early cavities (pre-cavities). Pre-cavities usually look like a half circle near the gum line. This type of white spot is likely to lead to a cavity (tooth decay) unless eating habits, oral hygiene practices, and topical fluoride use change. Pre-cavities are caused by often eating foods high in sugar. Some foods high in sugar are fruit juice, fruit drinks, soft drinks (pop or soda), cookies, and candy. Pre-cavities are also caused by not brushing the teeth every day.

White spots can also appear because of a problem during tooth enamel development. White spots may be seen on one or more teeth. This type of white spot may be caused by injury to the primary tooth that affects the developing permanent tooth, infections during tooth development, swallowing too much fluoride, or heredity.

It is important to have white spots and other oral conditions checked by an oral health professional to determine if they might cause oral health problems.

Performance Standards

1304.40(f)(1)

1304.40(f)(2)(iii)

References

Griffen AL. 2000. Normal formation and development defects of the human dentition. Pediatric Clinics of North America 47(5):975-1000.