950 Francis Pl #305, Clayton, MO 63105 Mon-Thu 7am-4pm · Fri 7am-3pm

My Child’s Teeth Have White Spots – Should I Be Concerned?

Published:
Updated:

If you’ve noticed white spots on your child’s teeth or have any other dental concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

As a parent, you likely pay close attention to your child’s oral health and may notice changes in their teeth over time. One issue that sometimes causes concern is the appearance of white spots on a child’s teeth. While these spots can be alarming at first glance, in many cases, they are not a severe problem. However, it’s important to understand what causes them and when you should seek professional dental care.

Pediatric Dentist St.Louis
Thanks Laina for making my visit great. You are the best.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Laina. 😊
Dr. Behl! I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen. I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing. During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem. What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable. Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly. My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!

What Causes White Spots on Children’s Teeth?

There are several potential reasons why white spots may develop on a child’s teeth:

  1. Fluorosis: This is the most common cause of white spots in children. It occurs when a child ingests too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing, usually before age 8. Mild fluorosis appears as small, opaque white areas on the tooth enamel.
  2. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing can allow plaque to build up, leading to early stages of tooth decay that may appear as chalky white spots.
  3. Enamel hypoplasia: This developmental condition results in thin or incomplete enamel formation, which can cause white spots or pits on the teeth.
  4. Demineralization: This often occurs around orthodontic brackets in children with braces, where acids have started to break down the enamel.
  5. Trauma: An injury to a developing tooth can disrupt enamel formation, potentially causing white spots.

Should You Be Concerned?

Often, white spots on children’s teeth are cosmetic and do not indicate a severe underlying problem. However, it’s always best to have them evaluated by a dentist to rule out early decay or other issues. If the spots are caused by fluorosis or enamel hypoplasia, they generally don’t require treatment unless they are severe or cause self-consciousness.

White spots that are signs of early decay or demineralization should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth. Your dentist can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include fluoride applications, improved oral hygiene practices, or, in some cases, cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the teeth.

When to See a Dentist

You should schedule a dental appointment if:

  • The white spots are new or seem to be increasing in size
  • Your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain
  • The spots have a chalky or rough texture
  • You notice other changes in your child’s teeth or gums

Prevention and Care

To help prevent white spots and maintain good oral health:

  • Ensure your child brushes thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Supervise fluoride use in young children to avoid overconsumption
  • Encourage a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that any changes in your child’s oral health can be concerning. Our experienced team is here to provide thorough evaluations and gentle care for children of all ages. If you’ve noticed white spots on your child’s teeth or have any other dental concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment. We’re committed to helping your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Updated: February 24, 2025

Leave a Comment