How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth

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Ever wonder what those white spots are on your teeth? Or where they came from? While you’re happy they’re white, the color difference and contrast is quite noticeable. So much so, that in comparison, your white spots make the rest of your teeth appear yellow and stained. So what gives? 

Well, those white spots on your teeth can be caused by several bad habits, like drinking and eating acidic and sugary foods (coffee and red wine, for instance) and poor dental hygiene. White spots can also develop in childhood. For example, dental fluorosis is a condition where someone consumed too much fluoride as a child before their teeth broke through the gums. Going as far back as infancy and prenatal development, enamel hypoplasia is another condition that causes white spots. Enamel hypoplasia can even be affected by your genetics, which is totally out of your control – no matter how much you brush. 

But, there’s good news! Whether they’re tiny flecks or a more noticeable mottled pattern, these white spots can be treated or reversed! Let’s explore how to get rid of white spots on teeth.  

Treatments to Get Rid of White Spots

While there are many ways you can remove stains to achieve a brighter smile, here’s how to get rid of white spots on teeth, from vanquishing them with a consistent teeth whitening routine to wearing veneers to completely conceal speckled enamel caused by early childhood development.

Teeth Whitening

BLU Hands-Free Toothbrush & Whitening Device

Teeth whitening is an effective way to rid your teeth of unsightly white spots. Through GO SMILE’s at-home teeth whitening kits, you can remove white spots, as well as any other stains and yellowing in practically no time at all! And once you get those chompers back in a uniform pearly white color, you can touch them up with compact teeth whitening pens and stain erasers. 

Trouble is, while teeth whitening kits get rid of white spots on some people’s teeth wonderfully, it may not work well for others. This goes especially for conditions like enamel hypoplasia or dental fluorosis, which is why we’ve listed several treatment options to help achieve a bright smile. 

Dental Veneers

Essentially, veneers are thin, protective coverings that attach to your teeth’s front surface. While dental veneers can be used in a variety of oral care treatments for a variety of reasons, such as chipped or crooked teeth or gaps, they work exceptionally well at getting rid of white spots on teeth. Through your dental provider, you can get professionally fitted for custom veneers that will conceal any stains at all. 

However, keep in mind that most dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, which means you might have to pay for your veneers out of pocket. And this can get expensive. On the other hand, if it improves your quality of life by boosting confidence, securing employment and finding a partner, a cosmetic procedure might be worth it! 

Composite Resin

Like dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia is a condition a bit beyond your control. Unfortunately, unlike harmless fluorosis, hypoplasia can increase the risk of tooth decay. And that needs to be addressed! While teeth whitening can help reduce the white spots’ obvious appearance, it’s critical to have your dentist first fill any cavities and bond the teeth’s outer layer with composite resin.  

However, keep in mind that for some people who have a good number of white spots, composite resin may not be a suitable choice. Depending on the severity, you may need to use another type of treatment, such as topical fluoride or a hybrid microabrasion treatment with composite resin. 

Topical Fluoride

Topical fluoride is a recommended treatment of dental fluorosis and enamel hypoplasia. This fluoride treatment can be done by your dentist and encourages enamel growth on the teeth, minimizing white spots, and also helps to prevent tooth decay overall.

If your spots are a result of dental hypoplasia, however, it’s important to take care of your teeth’s health and brush on a regular basis. Unlike many causes of white spots, hypoplasia cannot be simply solved through cosmetic procedures or whitening treatments. It requires proper oral hygiene to combat further issues that can arise. 

Enamel Microabrasion

Enamel microabrasion is used to correct discolored enamels, removing surface stains and yellowing, but it can also be used to remove the white spots. This treatment is ideal mostly for dental fluorosis, as it reduces the appearance of non-harmful, more cosmetic-related white spots. 

Essentially, the procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth. And oftentimes, it’s followed by whitening or bleaching to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness and make the color of the teeth more even and consistent.  

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Desperate to get rid of those white spots on your teeth? Talk to your dentist about what might be the cause. They can help you determine if the white spots can be reduced with an easy-to-use, at-home teeth whitening routine or if it’s something more underlying like a condition developed from childhood. Whatever the cause of your teeth’s white spots or blotches, try out one of these treatments and solutions to get the perfect smile!