For mild cases, a fluoride varnish or similar high-concentration fluoride treatments can help to strengthen the tooth's surface. This treatment is often painless and can be done in a single dental visit, often at their 6 monthly check up and clean. Dental sealants can also be used in mild cases of chalky teeth.
If you have noticed these signs, you may have a serious health condition called hypomineralization. Hypomineralisation is the technical term for chalky teeth. Typically, hypomineralization occurs when the tooth enamel on the molars is lacking the proper minerals and starts to feel chalky.
Chalky molars are the most common type of chalky teeth and are also called molar hypomineralisation. It should also be noted that the 6-year molars (otherwise known as the first permanent molars to erupt) are the most likely to be chalky.
Have you ever ground your teeth together and it feels like chalk? It's a valid comparison since chalky teeth is a temporary side effect of eating certain foods that are high in oxalic acid, like strawberries or spinach. A quick mouthwash rinse or even swishing water around in your mouth will get rid of the sensation.
What do they look like? Chalky teeth can be identified where the enamel has an abnormal colour, either being whiter than normal or having shades of cream, yellow or brown. This discolouration is usually restricted to a small spot or bigger patch, but the whole tooth surface may be affected in severer cases.
Common Causes of White Film in the Mouth
Dehydration and Dry Mouth: Dehydration or xerostomia (dry mouth) can lead to a white film in the mouth. When the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva, it can cause a buildup of dead cells and bacteria, leading to a white or sticky film.
Chalky teeth are referred to in technical terms as molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), which basically means that there is insufficient mineralisation of the molars and incisors. This name was chosen since MIH is usually noticed on the adult incisors and molars – even before they come into the mouth.
Tartar can form both above and below the gum line. Above the gum line, it's usually yellow or brown and can often be seen on the front or back of your lower teeth. Below the gum line, tartar isn't as visible and can cause the gums to become irritated and inflamed.
Dental plaque makes your teeth look (and feel) “fuzzy.” If you run your tongue over your teeth and it feels like they're wearing tiny sweaters, that's plaque.
Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste is specially designed to help protect tooth enamel against the effects of acid erosion. When used twice daily, it helps to strengthen and re-harden acid-weakened enamel, fight cavities and freshen breath.
What are Calcium Deposits on My Teeth? "Calcium deposits"— known more commonly as tartar or calculus — are a hardened layer of plaque or dental biofilm. Tartar is made of calcium phosphates, among other compounds, and looks white or off-white, so you may hear it called calcium.
Technically called white spot lesions; they are a sign of early decay. White spot lesions may be due to fluorosis (overexposure of fluoride to the teeth), enamel hypoplasia (thinner development of the enamel on teeth), demineralization of the enamel on the teeth, low calcium diet, and poor oral hygiene.
Scaling: Scaling is a method that uses specialized tools to physically remove calcium deposits from your teeth. In these modern times, dentists often use ultrasonic scrapers to get rid of tartar. These instruments work by vibrating at a very high rate and shooting water to get rid of the deposits.
Processed foods, dairy products (if sensitive), fried foods, and sugary drinks and foods can all exacerbate inflammation and worsen your condition, and avoiding them can be helpful.
How to fix chalky teeth in adults. The remedy for chalky teeth depends on the extent of damage to the teeth. The treatments include resin-based composite fillings, enamel microabrasion, and dental amalgam fillings. If the condition is too advanced, then tooth extraction is recommended.
Food Debris and Bacteria
Certain foods, such as dairy products, bread, and starchy foods, can leave white spots or a pasty residue on the teeth after eating. These particles can interact with bacteria in the mouth, forming a layer of film that may be mistaken for plaque or other dental conditions.
Hypomineralisation (also known as 'chalky teeth') is a developmental condition that affects teeth as they are forming during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first four years of life. Enamel on these teeth has marked, chalky looking areas with less mineral than unaffected enamel.
On almost any surface, a thin layer of bacteria known as biofilm can stick. That's why your gums and teeth feel like they've been covered in slime when you wake up in the morning. Biofilm is normal and happens to everyone—even if you brush, floss and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
If you regularly brush, floss and rinse, you can minimize the biofilm. But when brushing, flossing and rinsing habits are lacking, the biofilm can build and develop into dental plaque that you can see with the naked eye (it is typically pale yellow in color).
The white film that forms in your mouth after brushing is likely due to certain antibacterial ingredients and tartar control agents in your toothpaste. We believe the main causes are either stannous fluoride or pyrophosphates.