What Are These White Spots on My Teeth and How Can I Get Rid of Them?

Throughout history, white teeth have been seen as signs of health, youth, beauty, and status. However, many people are frustrated with unusually white spots on their teeth that can detract from their smile’s appeal. Thankfully, your dentist can address these issues so you can enjoy an evenly bright smile. Here’s a brief guide to how these strange white spots can form and how your dentist can treat them.

What Are These Weird Little White Spots on My Teeth?

Anyone can develop unusually white spots on their teeth, and this problem is usually the result of decalcification. Also known as demineralization, this process often occurs because of excessive acid exposure due to harmful oral bacteria or harsh foods or beverages such as soda pop and hot sauce. When this happens, acid can erode the calcium and phosphorous from your enamel, leaving you with permanent chalky white spots that do not respond to conventional oral hygiene methods.

How Can I Prevent White Spots from Forming on My Teeth?

There are several excellent ways to prevent unsightly white spots from developing on your smile. These include:

• Excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily while using antibacterial mouthwash regularly to kill the bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acid and eliminate the food debris they rely on for fuel.
• Regular dental checkups: Seeing your dentist twice a year will allow them to detect and address abnormalities in their early stages and recommend better oral hygiene practices for you to implement at home.
• Limiting your consumption of sugar and acid: Acid erodes your enamel on contact, and the harmful bacteria that produce it love to feed on sugar. Reducing your intake of candy, soda, sweetbreads, juice, alcohol, and hot sauce can protect your teeth from unnecessary acid exposure.

How Can My Dentist Treat White Spots?

If you’ve already developed unusually white spots on your teeth, your dentist may be able to address them with a professional teeth whitening treatment. This can come in the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks. Either of these can address unsightly white spots and stubborn dental stains while brightening your grin by up to eight shades.

Don’t let chalky white patches on your teeth diminish the beauty of your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to prevent or treat these blemishes.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah earned his dental degree at New York University and has accrued more than one thousand hours of advanced postgraduate education. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. His office in Edison offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, contact his practice online or dial (908) 834-8448.