White Spots on Teeth and the Best Fixes

Ever noticed white spots on teeth? They just won’t go away, no matter how aggressively you brush. They’re not your typical coffee or tea stains. Rather, they’re lighter than the rest of your enamel. And they usually don’t cause pain. But they do make your smile appear uneven or less polished.

That being said, there’s nothing to worry about. These spots are curable. And, in many cases, totally preventable. So, let’s unpack what causes them and how you can restore a more even colored smile.

What Are White Spots on Teeth?

Your enamel is smooth, shiny, and built to protect. But when parts of it don’t form properly or start losing minerals, pale patches show up. These patches are the white spots on the teeth in question. And they are like signals pointing to changes in your enamel’s health.

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

Now, let’s not assume that all white spots have the same backstory. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia occurs when the enamel doesn’t fully develop during childhood. The reasons could be certain illnesses, poor nutrition, or trauma. It results in thin, pitted, or streaky enamel.

Fluorosis Spots

Taking too much fluoride while the teeth are developing can cause fluorosis spots. These appear as cloudy streaks or mottled patches. Your fluoride intake could be high if you swallow fluoride toothpaste (mostly kids do that) or you drink fluoridated water.

Demineralization

If you’ve ever had braces, you might know this one. It’s easy for food debris and plaque to linger around brackets. The bacteria then feed on the buildup and release acids. This slowly weakens the enamel. The mineral layer thins out, creating chalky white patches. Plus, sugary drinks or fizzy sodas can also cause similar mineral loss.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods gradually wear down tooth enamel and expose the layer beneath, which shows up as white spots. Common offenders are citrus fruits, soft drinks, sports or energy beverages, and vinegar-heavy foods. However, if you don't indulge in them excessively, they won't cause issues.

Other Influences

Besides the ones we’ve explored, here are some less common causes of white spots on teeth:

• High fevers during childhood illness
• Acid reflux or frequent vomiting, exposing teeth to stomach acid
• Genetics that make enamel thinner or weaker

So, these make up the major causes of white spots on teeth. However, there’s one more cause that needs further discussion. That is, white spots on teeth after braces. Here’s more on it:

White Spots on Teeth after Braces

It’s common for people to notice white spots on their teeth after braces. You see, braces certainly make brushing and flossing more challenging. And so, plaque and bacteria accumulate around the brackets, producing acids that leach out of the enamel from that spot. Thus, leaving behind visible white marks.

How to Prevent Them?

Here are some tips to prevent them:

• Brush carefully around brackets after every meal
• Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinses to strengthen enamel
• Try interdental brushes or water flossers for hard-to-reach areas
• Keep up with professional dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment

Here are some of the Essential Tools for Braces Cleaning At Home that you can use to maintain oral hygiene.

What About Treatment?

If you already have white spots after braces, don’t worry. They can often be improved. Options include remineralizing treatments, professional whitening, microabrasion, or cosmetic solutions like bonding and veneers, depending on severity.

Treatment for White Marks on Teeth

So, what can you actually do about them? Dentists have a toolbox of treatments for white marks. Though the best one depends on the severity of the spots.

Remineralization

For faint spots, professional fluoride varnishes or calcium-based pastes can help restore lost minerals and strengthen enamel.

Microabrasion

Microabrasion gently buffs away a fine layer of enamel. Thus, making the white patches less visible. Dentists often pair it with a whitening method. That gives a more uniform final look.

Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening doesn’t erase spots directly. However, it does brighten the surrounding enamel, helping everything blend. It’s like evening out your skin tone. However, they can sometimes make white spots more visible. It’s a double-edged sword in this case. So, do consult your dentist before going for the whitening option.

Cosmetic Fixes for White Spots

When they are stubborn, cosmetic fixes for white spots are utilized.

• Bonding: A tooth-colored resin camouflages patches and smooths the surface.
• Veneers: Thin porcelain shells cover the front of teeth, instantly creating an even smile.
• Crowns: Used when enamel is badly damaged, offering full coverage and protection.

How to Remove White Stains on Teeth at Home

Home remedies won’t erase spots, but they can keep your enamel healthy and stop new ones from forming.

• Brush with care using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Don’t indulge in acidic drinks like soda or citrus juices.
• Try whitening toothpastes to brighten the overall tooth shade.
• Drink water as it rinses away acids and food particles after meals.

Preventing White Spots on Teeth

It’s easier to prevent white spots from appearing on the teeth than to fix them. Here are some habits that go a long way:

• Balanced fluoride use: Fluoride is great for enamel. But it should be spat out, not swallowed.
• Regular checkups: This one is obvious. Dentists can spot early changes before they turn into visible marks.
• Braces care: Brushing around brackets is non-negotiable if you want to avoid demineralization.
• Nutritious diet: Don't miss out on calcium and vitamin D-rich foods.

Besides these, another way to prevent white spots on teeth is to choose clear aligners over braces. You see, clear aligners don’t hinder oral hygiene. You can remove them and brush or floss just like you normally would. They are way easier to maintain than braces.

Bringing Back Balance to Your Smile

White spots on teeth may look stubborn. However, they’re not a life sentence. Be it enamel hypoplasia, fluorosis, or demineralization, there’s a solution out there for everything. The main thing is not to ignore them if you have them. And if you don’t have white spots, then simple lifestyle habits can help prevent them from ever forming.