White spots form when the enamel loses calcium and other minerals, leaving behind a porous, opaque area that reflects light differently than the surrounding tooth surface. Dr. Dalia takes time to identify the underlying cause before recommending treatment, because not all white spots are the same.
Common causes of white spots include the following:
- Enamel demineralization from plaque accumulation around orthodontic brackets
- Fluorosis, which develops when children are exposed to excess fluoride during tooth development
- Hypomineralization, sometimes linked to illness or nutritional deficiencies early in life
- Dry mouth or mouth breathing, which reduces saliva’s natural remineralizing effect
Each of these causes can present differently, and the right treatment depends on the depth and nature of the lesion, not just how it looks, which is why options like composite bonding are often considered alongside other approaches.