Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth?

Do you have splotches on your teeth that are lighter in color than the rest of your teeth? White spots can develop for numerous reasons. Generally, they are due to problems with your enamel. 

Dr. Thomas Easton and his staff offer cosmetic dentistry to help patients have healthy smiles that improve their confidence. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, we can probably help. 

Dr. Easton will suggest the best treatment option based on the underlying cause of your discoloration, and in the meantime, here’s some information about why white spots develop and some common treatment approaches. 

Enamel basics

The outer coating on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, which means enamel is pretty tough! Composed mostly of minerals, enamel protects the softer dentin and inner pulp of your teeth. 

As durable as enamel is, it can be damaged. Discoloration is often a result of damage, and it can indicate a problem with the health of your teeth or present a cosmetic issue. 

Common causes of white spots

Your enamel is the reason for the whiteness of your teeth, and also why your teeth reflect light in the way they do. When your enamel is compromised, you might have lighter-colored spots. Here are some of the common reasons: 

Hygiene issues

The most frequent reason we see white spots in our office is poor dental hygiene. Plaque builds up on your teeth without proper brushing and flossing every day. 

Plaque is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and that bacteria produces acid. The acid erodes your enamel and causes decalcification, which is what it’s called when the minerals in your enamel begin to disappear, leaving those white spots. 

In some instances, even with good oral hygiene, decalcification can happen due to consuming foods and beverages that are high in acid. When your enamel loses minerals for whatever reason, you’re at risk for decay. 

Orthodontics

Some people have white spots following certain orthodontic procedures. For example, it isn’t unusual to have white spots after you have braces removed. This is usually because it’s difficult to clean around braces, and plaque builds up while you have them. 

Fluorosis

More rarely, white spots can be caused by dental fluorosis due to excessive fluoride intake while teeth are developing. Although fluoride is essential for good dental health, too much can lead to discoloration. This intake occurs during childhood and usually comes from water, toothpaste, and other sources. 

Enamel hypoplasia

If your enamel doesn’t develop as it should, you may have enamel hypoplasia, which shows up as white spots. Some reasons people have enamel hypoplasia include malnutrition, illness, or taking certain medications during childhood. 

Potential treatments for white spots

The first line of defense for any dental issue is excellent oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day at least, flossing daily, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year is the starting point for treating white spots. However, if that isn’t sufficient, some other treatments may help. 

First, Dr. Easton will evaluate the reason you have white spots, then suggest treatments. This means your treatment plan is designed to fit your specific problem and is much more likely to be effective. 

Topical fluoride

If you have mild decalcification, topical fluoride could be the solution. These treatments can help remineralize your enamel and restore its strength and appearance. 

Dental bonding

Dr. Easton may recommend using a resin mixed to precisely match the color of your teeth to cover the white spots. This process is called dental bonding and provides natural-looking results, but it’s a relatively easy, noninvasive procedure. 

Porcelain veneers

Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are adhered to your natural teeth, covering numerous flaws, including discoloration or white spots. Quite popular, veneers last a long time. 

Love your smile 

If you don’t like the way your smile looks, schedule an appointment. Dr. Easton can likely help you get the smile of your dreams and help you keep your teeth healthy.