- Common Causes
- What causes white spots on teeth?
- 7 Treatment Options
- 7 ways to get rid of white spots on teeth
- Comments
- More
Whether white spots on teeth go away or not depends entirely on their cause. Some conditions, such as dehydration will resolve within hours of hydration.
Depending on their cause, white spots on the teeth may go away on their own, need treatment, or persist for a lifetime.
- For example, if you have developed white teeth spots due to dehydration (from keeping your mouth open at night), they may disappear within hours.
- However, if the cause of white spots is demineralization or severely damaged enamel, even aggressive treatments may not make them go away.
What causes white spots on teeth?
Everyone wants pearly white teeth, but many factors affect their color and aesthetics.
Common causes of white spots on teeth include:
- Tartar
- Dental fluorosis
- Enamel hypoplasia
- Demineralization
- Issues with diet
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dehydration
- Marks left by braces
Dental fluorosis
An adequate amount of fluoride is good for your teeth. However, in excess amounts, it can result in a condition called dental fluorosis, which results in discolored enamel (yellow or brown) with white spots.
This commonly occurs in children when they are exposed to excess fluoride compounds through fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride in the water, and, sometimes, fluoride supplements.
Enamel hypoplasia
Some people develop thinner tooth enamel than what is normal, which is called enamel hypoplasia. The teeth look similar to dental fluorosis in this condition.
Enamel hypoplasia can be caused by one or a combination of factors that include:
- Nutritional deficiency (caused by conditions, such as celiac disease)
- Side effects of medications, such as antibiotics
- High fever
- Prenatal smoking
Plaque buildup
Plaque buildup can result from not brushing or flossing teeth properly, especially while fitted with braces. This is usually noticed when the braces are removed.
Diet
A diet high in sugary or acidic foods is more likely to damage your tooth enamel and lead to white spots on your teeth.
Sugar promotes the buildup of plaque, whereas acidic fruits (such as lemons and oranges) can erode the enamel. These can result in white teeth spots.
Sleeping with mouth open at night
Sleeping with your mouth open at night can dry out your mouth, including your teeth. This causes the surface of your enamel to dehydrate, which shows up as white spots. Once you get up, the saliva in your mouth rehydrates the enamel, causing the white spots to disappear.
7 ways to get rid of white spots on teeth
The treatment of white spots depends on their cause. If the cause is treatable, here are a few treatments that you can try.
- Evaluate your diet and modify it: If you are into eating a lot of acidic fruits or drinks, such as carbonated beverages, it is time to cut down on them. Replace soda with water and cut down on the acidic foods you eat daily.
- Keep a watch on your child’s fluoride intake: Keep a watch on your child’s fluoride intake by monitoring tap water and using a non-fluoride toothpaste until the age of two years old. Ensure the amount of toothpaste used by your child younger than three years old is only rice-sized, whereas a child aged older than three years can use a pea-sized amount.
- Teeth whitening treatments: You can first try an over-the-counter tooth whitening treatment at home or go to a dentist for in-whitening treatment, including bleaching either with or without laser whitening.
- Enamel microabrasion: 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.
- Composite resin: If you have very few, small, white spots, your dentist may use a material called composite resin to cover the spot.
- Veneers: Your doctor may suggest concealing the white spots with a porcelain veneer that contains a thin sheet that is bonded to the surface of your teeth. The veneers hide the discoloration and protect the teeth from further damage.
- Chin straps: Chin straps keep your mouth closed while you sleep and thus prevent your mouth from drying up and creating white spots on your teeth.
References
Image Source: Sharon Mccutcheon / Getty Images
Khoroushi M, Kachuie M. Prevention and Treatment of White Spot Lesions in Orthodontic Patients. Contemp Clin Dent. 2017;8(1):11-19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28566845/
FAQs
Depending on their cause, white spots on the teeth may go away on their own, need treatment, or persist for a lifetime. For example, if you have developed white teeth spots due to dehydration (from keeping your mouth open at night), they may disappear within hours.
What causes white spots on teeth? ›
Technically called white spot lesions; they are a sign of early decay. White spot lesions may be due to fluorosis (overexposure of fluoride to the teeth), enamel hypoplasia (thinner development of the enamel on teeth), demineralization of the enamel on the teeth, low calcium diet, and poor oral hygiene.
How to get rid of calcium spots on teeth? ›
Bacteria also attacks your gums, causing a bad odor and tooth loss or gum recession. While you cannot get rid of calcium deposits at home, your dentist can use a scaling tool to physically remove the deposits using ultrasonic scrapers that vibrate quickly and shoot water at the deposits.
Does the white stuff on your teeth go away? ›
When you sleep with your mouth open, white spots develop on your teeth because of enamel dehydration. But rest assured, at least in this case, there is a natural solution for the white spots. Once your teeth start receiving contact with saliva, these morning white spots typically fade away during the day.
How to remove white spots? ›
One of the most effective ways in which you can get rid of the white spots on face through the use of natural ways is by using coconut oil. The white spots which are caused by fungal or microbial infection or a skin condition such as eczema can be effectively treated with the help of coconut oil.
Can salt remove white spots on teeth? ›
Mix half a cup of salt with half a cup of grapefruit juice to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to your teeth with white spots on them, then let it rest for a few minutes before gently brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush. There are other home treatments to remove white spots on teeth.
What is the best toothpaste for white spots? ›
BioMin F and BioMin C are award-winning remineralising toothpaste that can significantly help speed up the removal of white spots / white marks from the enamel. Their unique slow release mechanisms deliver ongoing calcium and phosphate (for up to 12 hours) and drive the repair/remineralisation process.
How to rehydrate teeth fast? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
How do I get rid of stains on my teeth? ›
Using a paste of baking soda and salt twice a week can improve tooth whiteness over the long run. Get a quality toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is more effective than a manual one for cleaning off plaque and tartar. Use a straw when drinking cold beverages that could stain your teeth, like iced tea or cola.
Can toothpaste remove calcium deposits? ›
Toothpaste is abrasive enough to clean your teeth but delicate, so it will not cause damage. The same way it can effectively remove plaque from your smile, it will address your hard water deposits.
You can eliminate white spots on your teeth with better oral hygiene, a healthier diet, or keeping your mouth closed at night. Dental professionals may help with microabrasion, whitening procedures, veneers, or sleep apnea treatments.
Are white spots on teeth permanent? ›
White spots on teeth can be unsightly, but they don't have to be permanent. By following these tips, you can help to prevent them from occurring in the first place. And if you do have white spots on your teeth, there are a number of effective treatments available.
What vitamin deficiency causes white spots on teeth? ›
Calcium is the foundation for strong teeth; thus, calcium deprivation weakens the enamel making it susceptible to white stains. Consuming foods rich in calcium such as leafy greens and almonds minimizes chances of developing white spots.
Do white spots on teeth go away after whitening? ›
The duration of white spots on teeth after whitening can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cause and individual factors. A standard recommendation is to avoid further dental treatments before they entirely disappear.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of white spots on teeth? ›
Teeth Bleaching
This is one common way to make your pearly whites even whiter. There are two bleaches used by the dentists to bleach the teeth; hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. The bleach breaks up the white spots into smaller stains, which makes them less visible.
