I have white marks on some of my teeth, not in the front but on the sides, they cannot really be seen when I smile. The marks look like someone has taken a white pencil and traced my teeth near the gumline. Any ideas what this could be? I take very good care of my teeth and never have any problems. I am hoping they will go away soon. Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. Thanks
2007-07-17 10:50:21 · 3 answers · asked by star_wisher86 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Sounds like decalcification. Is your drinking water fluoridated? If not, I'd suggest buying fluoridated bottled water (it will say on the bottle if it is). Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it. Maybe talk to your dentist about getting a perscription for a high fluoride toothpaste like Prevodent Plus.
2007-07-17 10:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by Heather N 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the above answer...
The white line that follows the contour of the gumline is likely to be decalcification. This happens when food debris is allowed to remain on the teeth. Acidogenic (acid-producing) bacteria release acid as a byproduct of their metabolism. This acid weakens and dissolves enamel. Sometimes this decalcification or demineralization can be reversed with improved oral hygiene and fluoride supplements. Prevident is a prescription fluoride gel. It comes in a few forms. Prevident can be a fluoride gel only (Prevident) or it can be combined with a toothpaste (Prevident 5000). You can also buy over-the-counter fluoride rinses such as ACT or Plax. Listerine has also released a fluoride rinse (light purple). Be sure it is Listerine with fluoride and not regular Listerine. Regular Listerine does not have fluoride in it. Of course, see your dentist to confirm that it is simply decalcification. There are other causes of white spots on teeth that have to do with hypermineralization. Good luck. Reduce your sugar intake; brush and floss daily; use fluoride supplements; and see your dentist regularly.
2007-07-17 18:09:03 · answer #2 · answered by DrAcidBath 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
HELLO,
ONCE THE ZONES OF DE-CALCIFICATION HAVE APPEARED, THERE NOTHING YOU CAN BRUSH WITH OR TAKE THAT WILL MAKE THEM GO AWAY.
YOUR DENTIST CAN PLACE TOOTH-COLORED THIN FILLINGS OVER THEM, CALLED FLOWABLE COMPOSITE, TO MAFE THEM VANISH.
THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE YOUR GUM LINE WAS NOT MEETING WITH THE TOOTHBRUSH FOR SOME TIME.
2007-07-17 18:34:52 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋