White spots on your teeth can be frustrating. They may make you feel self-conscious about your smile, even if your teeth are otherwise healthy. These marks can appear for a variety of reasons, and the good news is that there are ways to treat and even prevent them. Below you’ll find more information about the causes of these spots and what can be done about it.
Common Causes of White Spots
Enamel Hypoplasia
This condition occurs when the enamel—the hard outer layer of your teeth—doesn’t fully develop. It can happen due to nutritional deficiencies, certain illnesses during childhood, or prenatal issues. The result is weaker enamel that may appear as white or chalky patches.
Fluorosis
Fluoride is essential for strong teeth, but too much during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis. This often appears as faint white streaks or cloudy spots on the enamel. It usually occurs when children ingest excessive fluoride through toothpaste, drinking water, or supplements before their adult teeth come in.
Demineralization from Poor Oral Hygiene
If plaque is left on teeth, especially around braces brackets, it can demineralize the enamel, creating white spots. This is particularly common for people who have worn orthodontic appliances without thorough cleaning.
Acidic Diet
Foods and drinks high in acid, like soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based snacks, can gradually weaken and discolor enamel, sometimes creating lighter patches.
Early Tooth Decay
In some cases, white spots are the first visible sign of cavities starting to form. When acids break down minerals in your enamel, the surface can turn dull and chalky before progressing to decay.
Treatment Options for White Spots
Remineralization
If the spots are caused by early demineralization, your dentist may recommend remineralizing treatments. These can include fluoride varnishes, prescription toothpaste, or calcium-phosphate pastes to restore lost minerals.
Microabrasion
This cosmetic procedure removes an ultra-thin layer of enamel to smooth out color differences. It’s often effective for shallow surface spots.
Teeth Whitening
In some cases, whitening the surrounding enamel can help blend the white spots so they’re less noticeable. This works best if the spots are mild and not due to structural enamel defects.
Composite Bonding or Veneers
For more pronounced or stubborn white spots, cosmetic dentistry options like bonding or porcelain veneers can provide a complete color match and improve overall tooth appearance.
How to Prevent White Spots
- Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
- Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste, about a pea-sized dab for adults and a smear for young children.
- Rinse after consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks.
- If you have braces, use special tools like interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean thoroughly around brackets.
White spots on teeth can result from developmental issues, excess fluoride, poor oral hygiene, or early decay. With the right dental care and preventive steps, you can treat existing spots and protect your smile from future discoloration.
About the Practice
At Klein Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental services if you’ve developed white spots on them. From veneers and metal-free restorations to bonding and whitening, we’ve got a solution that will fit you! We’ll work to give you what you consider the perfect smile, and we won’t be happy until you are. If you’re interested in beautifying your smile, schedule an appointment with us online or call (717) 652-6644.