Natural teeth have a pearlescent appearance that’s typically a shade of off-white. While staining is common for many reasons, one unique form of discoloration stands out: white spots. Technically considered lesions, white spots on teeth are a frequent cosmetic concern and often an early warning sign of enamel damage or decay. They can appear due to several factors, including excessive fluoride exposure, calcium deficiency, or poor oral hygiene habits.
This blog details the possible causes of the condition, corrective actions you can take to remedy white spots, and how a trip to a cosmetic dentist can help.
What are White Spots on Teeth?
White stains on teeth can appear for various reasons, and understanding their cause is the first step in determining how to address them. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes:
- Enamel Demineralization (Decalcification): When plaque produces acid, it leaches minerals from tooth enamel, leaving white spots on teeth. This is the first stage of tooth decay. This is also what causes white stains on teeth from braces. Since they are harder to clean, plaque accumulates around the brackets, causing early-stage cavities that manifest with white spots.
- Fluorosis: Fluoride is typically a beneficial substance, particularly for oral health. However, prolonged exposure (called fluorosis) can cause some side effects. Fluorosis can cause chalky white, yellow, or brown stains on the teeth. Overexposure can take place by ingesting toothpaste, drinking water with large quantities of fluoride, or taking excess fluoride supplements.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This is a tooth defect that causes an individual to develop a thinner-than-normal layer of protective enamel. Enamel hypoplasia can develop due to hereditary factors, deficiencies, medications administered to a mother before birth, trauma, or premature births.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth?
Fortunately, there exist various ways to remedy white spots on teeth. These are as follows:
- Natural Home Remedies
There are some at-home natural remedies to treat white spots on teeth. Some of these are as below:
- Remineralizing Toothpaste or Gels: Products with fluoride or calcium phosphate can help replenish minerals.
- Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide Paste: Mix a small amount of the two substances to create a paste and brush with it once a week. This can help dissolve mild surface stains.
- Balanced Diet: Eat calcium-rich foods and limit sugary or acidic drinks to strengthen your enamel.
- Professional Treatments
If natural remedies aren’t working or if you have more stubborn spots, professional treatments can provide a more targeted solution. Here are some methods your cosmetic dentist may recommend:
- Topical Fluoride Varnish: Using a fluoride-rich solution (applied by a dental professional) can effectively treat some types of white spots.
- Microabrasion: Microabrasion is a process of roughing up the surface of the enamel to prompt healthy development. This is often combined with whitening treatments for best results.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional bleach-based whitening helps blend minor white spots with the surrounding enamel.
- Veneers: Porcelain or resin veneers are custom-crafted to match your natural teeth and bonded in place. For deeper discoloration or decay that cannot be remedied with traditional methods, this presents a long-lasting (and stain-resistant!) solution.
Preventing White Spots on Teeth
Prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid white spots from manifesting:
- For optimal health, it is advisable to brush twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste and to floss daily.
- Use fluoride rinses if you wear braces and have difficulty cleaning thoroughly.
- Monitor fluoride intake in children to prevent fluorosis.
- Avoid sugary and acidic snacks and drinks.
- Visit your dentist once a week for professional cleanings and enamel-strengthening treatments to maintain good oral health.
Everyone’s teeth are different, so the best treatment depends on the depth of the spots and their level of visibility. If you’re self-conscious about them, talking to a cosmetic dentist is a great first step.
When to Seek Professional Help
If at-home remedies aren’t working—or if the white spots are getting worse—it’s time to see a professional. A trusted dentist can diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as resin infiltration, microabrasion, or veneers, to restore your smile.
To diagnose white spots, dentists use the following methods:
- Visual inspections to check for surface discoloration.
- Digital imaging to assess deeper structural damage.
- Saliva and plaque analysis to assess acid levels and risk of decay.
Treatments are personalized. For example, patients with fluorosis might be advised to consider veneers, while early demineralization may only require fluoride or remineralizing products.
Bottom Line
White spots on teeth can result from enamel demineralization, fluorosis, or even developmental issues. While less severe cases are often treated at home, persistent or more severe discoloration usually requires professional attention. A trusted oral specialist can help you with targeted treatments for your condition.
Say Goodbye to White Spots: Contact Norwood Dental
At Norwood Dental, we pride ourselves on taking an active role in treating a vast range of conditions and helping our patients develop optimal oral hygiene routines that prioritize comfort and stability.
If you’ve begun to notice tooth discoloration, visit some of the best dentists in norwood. Book an appointment today!
Phone: (952) 467-3518
Address: 222 E Wilson St, P.O. Box 717, Norwood, MN 55368-0717
Email: appointments@norwood-dental.com
