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  • SERVICES
        • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Dental Implants
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          • All-on-4 Dental Implants
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          • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
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          • Dr Steven Soo
          • Dr Tan Kian Meng
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          • Dr Helena Lee
          • Dr Daylene Leong
          • Dr Ben Wang
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          • Dr Irene Sim
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  • SERVICES
    • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Implants
      • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
      • All-on-4 Dental Implants
      • Dental Crowns
      • Dental Bridges
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
    • Gum Treatment
      • Gum Treatment
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gummy Smile Treatment
    • Oral Surgery & Reconstructive Dentistry
      • Wisdom Tooth Surgery
      • Jaw Surgery
      • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
      • Bone Grafting
      • Sinus Lift
      • Tongue Tie Surgery
      • Reduction of Square Jaw
    • Teeth & Bite Alignment
      • Braces Treatment
      • Invisalign
    • Root Canal Treatment
      • Root Canal Treatment
    • Children’s Dentistry
      • Children’s Dentistry
    • Other Services
      • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
      • Dental Check-up
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Composite Bonding
      • Pre-Surgery Assessment
      • Sleep Apnea
      • Geriatric Care
      • Xerostomia
  • PATIENT INFORMATION
    • We’ve Got You Covered
      • CPF Medisave Claims
      • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
      • Financial Arrangement
      • Personal Data Protection Act
    • Pre-Visit Information
      • Pre-registration Form
      • International Patients
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
  • MULTISPECIALTY DENTAL TEAM
    • Prosthodontics
      • Dr Steven Soo
      • Dr Tan Kian Meng
      • Dr Edwin Tan
      • Dr Neo Tee Khin
      • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
    • Orthodontics
      • Dr Soh Shean Han
      • Dr May Ling Eide
    • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
      • Dr Helena Lee
      • Dr Daylene Leong
      • Dr Ben Wang
    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
      • Dr Ho Kok Sen
    • Endodontics
      • Dr Irene Sim
    • Paedodontics
      • Dr Tabitha Chng
    • Dental Staff
  • About
    • About
      • Our Vision & Mission
      • Our History
      • Why Us
      • Our Facilities
      • Our Community
    • Media Room
      • Media Coverage
      • Dentist Blog
      • Activities
    • Careers
      • Join Us
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
    • Get In Touch
      • Make An Appointment
      • Enquiry With Us
    • Our Locations
  • SERVICES
        • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Dental Implants
          • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
          • All-on-4 Dental Implants
          • Dental Crowns
          • Dental Bridges
          • Dentures
          • Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Veneers
          • Teeth Whitening
        • Gum Treatment
          • Gum Treatment
          • Gummy Smile Treatment
          • Gum Grafting
        • Oral Surgery & Reconstructive Dentistry
          • Wisdom Tooth Surgery
          • Jaw Surgery
          • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
          • Bone Grafting
          • Sinus Lift
          • Tongue Tie Surgery
          • Reduction of Square Jaw
        • Teeth & Bite Alignment
          • Braces Treatment
          • Invisalign
        • Root Canal Treatment
          • Root Canal Treatment
        • Children’s Dentistry
          • Children’s Dentistry
        • Other Services
          • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
          • Dental Check-up
          • Dental Emergencies
          • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
          • Composite Bonding
          • Pre-Surgery Assessment
          • Sleep Apnea
          • Geriatric Care
          • Xerostomia
  • PATIENT INFORMATION
        • We’ve Got You Covered
          • CPF Medisave Claims
          • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
          • Financial Arrangement
          • Personal Data Protection Act
        • Pre-Visit Information
          • Pre-registration Form
          • International Patients
        • Frequently Asked Questions
          • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
  • MULTISPECIALTY DENTAL TEAM
        • Prosthodontics
          • Dr Steven Soo
          • Dr Tan Kian Meng
          • Dr Edwin Tan
          • Dr Neo Tee Khin
          • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
        • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
          • Dr Helena Lee
          • Dr Daylene Leong
          • Dr Ben Wang
        • Endodontics
          • Dr Irene Sim
        • Orthodontics
          • Dr Soh Shean Han
          • Dr May Ling Eide
        • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
          • Dr Ho Kok Sen
        • Paedodontics
          • Dr Tabitha Chng
        • Dental Staff
  • About
        • About
          • Our Vision & Mission
          • Our History
          • Why Us
          • Our Facilities
          • Our Community
        • Media Room
          • Media Coverage
          • Dentist Blog
          • Activities
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  • BLOG
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        • Get In Touch
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          • Enquiry With Us
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What are those White/Yellow/Brown Patches on My Teeth?

Pearly white teeth are a major contributor to an attractive smile. However, there are people who have white patches or spots on their teeth, which are aesthetically not that appealing. Did you ever wonder what the causes of this are and what you can do about it?

Possible Causes

There are several causes that may cause white or yellow patches/spots on one’s teeth. These include:

  • Hypocalcification

This is a condition when the enamel of the tooth is not fully formed and shows up in the form of white, yellow or brown patches on the tooth surface. Other than the discoloration, hypocalcified teeth may feel more sensitive than normal teeth. Thus, those with this condition should avoid food and beverages that are highly acidic to minimize discomfort.

  • Fluorosis

Dental Fluorosis is a condition where a person received too much fluoride during the formation of the teeth, either by consumption (e.g. in the drinking water or supplements) or application (e.g. toothpaste) which may cause discoloration to the teeth. Be aware that not all patches is a sign of fluorosis, thus avoiding the use of fluoride may not be wise, as fluoride helps in preventing tooth decay. If detected early, fluorosis at an early age could be prevented before it worsens. A paediatric dentist would be able to advise whether fluoride supplements are necessary for your child.

  • Demineralization

Demineralization is the earliest stage of tooth decay. It starts with the accumulation of plaque which is the grounding place for bacteria that produces acid causing tooth decay. When the principal component of the mineral on teeth, calcium phosphate, starts dissolving, discoloration (e.g. white streak) may show.

Possible Treatments

The first thing that comes to mind to get a pearly white smile is teeth whitening.  However, it is important to find out the cause of the discoloration. A simple cleaning or whitening may work to a certain extent for discoloration that is caused by external factors like consumption of coloured food and beverages. (For more information on considerations before whitening, check out previous post).

In the case of initial decay, strengthening the tooth is important before the decay worsens and causes cavity. With a regular check-up, your dentist would be able to do a thorough examination to detect this and treatment recommendation may be given, such as the application of high dose fluoride to restore the dissolved mineral on the tooth.

However, when the discoloration is due to hypocalcification (which is congenital) or severe fluorosis, other aesthetic treatment options, such as veneers, may be recommended. Veneers are thin custom-made porcelain shells designed to fit discreetly over the teeth.

The key to a successful treatment is to get a proper examination and diagnosis so that the proper treatment options may be recommended.

Dentistry for children Teeth Whitening Tips for good dental health

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Have a question?

Phone
Mount Elizabeth Clinic
+65 6734 9393
Gleneagles Clinic
+65 6471 5150

Drop us a note at
info@specialistdentalgroup.com

Dental Emergency

Please contact us directly at the emergency contact number on your dentist’s card, or the Mount Elizabeth A&E department at +65 6731 2218, or Gleneagles A&E department at +65 6470 5700.

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Services

  • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
  • All-on-4 Dental Implants
  • Braces Treatment in Singapore
  • Composite Bonding
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Crowns
  • Gum Treatment
  • Gummy Smile Treatment
  • Invisalign
  • Reduction of Square Jaw
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Veneers
  • Bone Grafting
  • Natural Dental Tooth Bridge
  • Children’s Dentistry
  • Dental Check-up
  • Dental Emergencies
  • Dental Fillings
  • Dental Implants in Singapore
  • Gum Grafting
  • Geriatric Care
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Missing Teeth
  • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
  • Pre-Surgery Assessment
  • Reduction of Square Jaw
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
  • Sinus Lift
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Teeth Whitening
  • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
  • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
  • Tongue Tie Surgery
  • Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore
  • Xerostomia

Patient Information

  • CPF Medisave Claims
  • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
  • Financial Arrangement
  • Personal Data Protection Act
  • Pre-registration Form
  • International Patients
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Multispecialty Team

  • Prosthodontics
    • Dr Steven Soo
    • Dr Tan Kian Meng
    • Dr Edwin Tan
    • Dr Neo Tee Khin
    • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
  • Orthodontics
    • Dr Soh Shean Han
    • Dr May Ling Eide
  • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
    • Dr Helena Lee
    • Dr Daylene Leong
    • Dr Ben Wang
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Dr Ho Kok Sen
  • Endodontics
    • Dr Irene Sim
  • Paedodontics
    • Dr Tabitha Chng
  • Dental Staff

About

  • Our Vision & Mission
  • Our History
  • Why Us
  • Our Facilities
  • Our Community
  • Media Coverage
  • Dentist blog
  • Activities
  • Join Us

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