While we all want shiny, bright white teeth, few people (if any) want teeth dappled with white spots. Here’s how to get rid of white spots on teeth.

Why do I have white spots on my teeth?

Evenly white teeth can make you feel like a movie star, but spotty teeth can have the opposite effect. Common causes of white spots on teeth include:

  • Dental fluorosis
  • Enamel hypoplasia
  • Demineralization
  • Issues with diet
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Dehydration

Let’s look at each in more detail.

Dental fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is an example of too much of a good thing.

This occurs when children are exposed to excessive fluoride when teeth are still growing. Fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride in the water, and some supplements all combine to create discolored enamel. Enamel may appear milky, slightly yellowed, or sometimes brown.

Enamel hypoplasia

A combination of causes comes together to cause enamel hypoplasia. These include:

  • Nutritional deficits
  • Side effects from medication
  • Prenatal smoking
  • High fever

Discoloration due to enamel hypoplasia resembles dental fluorosis.

Demineralization

Parents often wonder how to get off white spots on teeth from braces.

These occur when plaque builds on teeth, usually due to improper brushing (made more challenging by the brackets and wires of braces). These white spots are also more vulnerable to decay.

Issues with the diet

A diet high in sugary or acidic foods is more likely to compromise tooth enamel and result in white spots on teeth.

Sugar itself aids in the formation of plaque on the teeth. Additionally, regular consumption of acidic fruit (e.g., lemons, oranges, and limes) can erode enamel, as can acidic beverages like wine or soda.

Poor dental hygiene

Poor dental hygiene creates a perfect environment for food-loving bacteria to grow and multiply. Plaque builds up and leaves white spots in its wake once removed.

Dehydration

One cause of white spots on teeth is dehydration, particularly overnight. If you habitually sleep with your mouth open (or are suffering from a cold that makes it a necessity), you may notice white spots in the morning that are gone by breakfast.

In this case, the surface of your teeth can dry out and become whiter, returning to their regular color as you go about the day.

Do white spots on teeth go away?

In some cases (dehydration, for example), white spots go away within hours of their discovery. Others are not so lucky. White spots due to demineralization are tricky to treat, as the enamel is actually eroded and gone. There is some evidence that remineralization is possible, but it depends on the severity of the damage.

While white spots on teeth are not necessarily a medical issue, any soft or damaged enamel can open the door to tooth decay and cavities. The more damage to the enamel from any cause, the more stubborn white spots on teeth will be.

How to get rid of white spots on teeth: eight treatments

Knowing how to get rid of white spots on teeth starts with identifying the cause. If the spots are caused by something that is permanent, even the most rigorous treatment may not change their appearance.

If, however, the white spots are caused by something treatable, here are eight treatments to try.

1. Change your diet

If the white spots on your teeth are a result of a highly acidic or sugary diet, the first step to treatment is to change what you consume.

Eliminate or limit sugary drinks and acidic foods and beverages. Simply replacing sugary sodas with water is a good start. This won’t repair the damage that is already done, but it will go a long way to prevent more white spots from forming.

2. Prevent dental fluorosis

In this case, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Limit fluoride intake in children by monitoring tap water for excessive fluoride and using a non-fluoride toothpaste until age two. Children under three should only brush with a rice-sized bit of toothpaste, and over-threes pea-sized.

Do not eliminate fluoride completely, as children in areas without fluoridated water have higher rates of tooth decay. Ensuring that children have just the right amount (not too much, but not too little) is crucial for proper tooth development.

3. At-home teeth whitening

Whether you choose an over-the-counter whitening system or talk to your dentist about professional take-home whitening kits, teeth whitening at home can be a good first start to get rid of white spots on teeth.

4. In-office teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening can work wonders for getting rid of white spots on teeth.

Your dentist has many options to choose from, including bleaching either with or without laser whitening.

5. Topical fluoride

For people whose white spots are caused by enamel hypoplasia (rather than fluorosis), topical fluoride can help strengthen the enamel and encourage its repair.

6. Enamel microbrasion

Rather than removing the white spot, your dentist uses mild abrasion to remove a bit of the surrounding enamel, making the teeth appear a uniform color.

This treatment is often paired with teeth whitening for best results.

7. Composite resin

For very small (and very few) white spots, your dentist may use composite resin to cover the spot and seal the tooth.

Composite resin is used to fill cavities and can be closely matched to teeth. This is not suitable for more than a few white spots. Veneers are a better option for more coverage.

8. Veneers

For white spots on teeth (and other cosmetic issues such as chips or small gaps), dental veneers are a great way to restore a beautifully even smile. Made of a thin shell of porcelain that is placed directly on the tooth, veneers protect the teeth from further damage while hiding any discoloration.

If you are looking for Phoenix teeth whitening services and want to know how to get rid of white spots on teeth, AZ Dentist has offices in Phoenix and all over the Valley. We can help.

Give us a call today for a bright, beautiful smile tomorrow!

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