How to Remove White Spots on Teeth: Professional and DIY Solutions

There are various factors that can cause white spots on your teeth including poor oral hygiene, excessive fluoride intake, and enamel demineralization. Here are some professional and DIY solutions to get rid of white spots on teeth:

What Are White Spots on Teeth?

White spots on teeth are areas of enamel that appear whiter or lighter than the surrounding tooth surface. They are often caused by a loss of minerals from the tooth enamel, a process known as demineralization. Various factors, including poor oral hygiene, consumption of acidic foods and drinks, and excessive fluoride intake, can cause the loss of minerals.

White spots on your teeth can also indicate early-stage tooth decay. When bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid, they can attack the tooth enamel and cause demineralization, which can result in white spots.

In some cases, white spots on the teeth may result from a genetic condition called hypoplasia, which affects the formation and development of tooth enamel. Hypoplasia can result in thinner and more porous enamel than usual, making it more susceptible to demineralization.

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

The causes of white spots on teeth include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque on teeth, which can cause white spots.
• Consumption of Acidic Foods and Drinks: Foods and drinks high in acid, such as citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks, can erode tooth enamel and cause white spots.
• Excessive Fluoride Intake: While fluoride is beneficial for tooth enamel, excessive fluoride intake during early childhood can cause a condition known as fluorosis, resulting in white spots on teeth.
• Early-Stage Tooth Decay: White spots on teeth can be an early warning sign of tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel and causes demineralization.
• Hypoplasia: Hypoplasia is a genetic condition that affects the development of tooth enamel, resulting in thinner and more porous enamel than usual. This can make teeth more susceptible to demineralization and white spots.
• Braces and Orthodontic Treatments: Braces and other orthodontic treatments can make it difficult to clean teeth properly, which can lead to the development of white spots.
• Medications: Some medications, such as tetracycline, can cause white spots on teeth, particularly in children whose teeth are still developing.

It’s essential to consult with a dental professional at Mountain Bay Dental to determine the underlying cause of white spots on teeth and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth

The treatment for white spots on teeth will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some ways to remove white spots on your teeth:

• Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and prevent further demineralization.
• Reduce Intake of Acidic Foods and Drinks: Avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks like soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar, which can erode tooth enamel and cause white spots.
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste to help remineralize your teeth and reduce the appearance of white spots.
• Oil Pulling: Swishing coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes each day can help to remove bacteria and toxins that cause white spots.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix hydrogen peroxide with water and swish it around your mouth for 1-2 minutes each day to help remove surface stains and reduce the appearance of white spots.

Professional Treatments for White Spots on Teeth

Here are some professional treatments that a dentist near you may recommend to treat white spots on your teeth:

• Microabrasion: This is a minimally invasive dental treatment that uses a mixture of hydrochloric acid and pumice to gently remove a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth. This helps reduce the appearance of white spots and improve the overall appearance of the teeth.
• Dental Bonding: This is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of the teeth to cover up the white spots.
• Veneers: Your dentist in Los Gatos places veneers over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to cover up white spots and other cosmetic imperfections.
• In-office Teeth Whitening: This is a professional treatment that uses a high-concentration bleaching agent to lighten the color of the teeth.