Tooth discoloration usually refers to yellowing from food, coffee, or red wine. But sometimes, the issue is the opposite—bright white spots on teeth that stand out against your enamel. Unlike surface stains, these spots are often caused by structural changes within the enamel itself.
According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Nish Patel, DDS, white spots can result from conditions like fluorosis (too much fluoride during childhood), enamel hypoplasia (defective enamel formation), or demineralization—an early sign of cavities due to plaque buildup. Other causes include hereditary factors, vitamin deficiencies, and discoloration after braces.
While white spots don’t usually signal poor oral hygiene or health issues, many people seek cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve their smile. If the spots are new, it’s essential to rule out early tooth decay and protect your overall oral health.
Understanding the cause is the first step. From there, explore professional solutions to restore a healthy, even-toned smile.
1. Visit The Dentist
The American Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups. Scheduling yearly cleanings and X-rays will help ensure you don’t have a cavity or any other dental health issue that could be causing white spots.
“Your dental hygienist can also clean your teeth to remove the plaque or apply fluoride to help strengthen your enamel,” cosmetic dentist Dr. Patel, DDS tells . “Your dentist may also recommend a sealant to help protect your teeth.” While you’re there you can ask about in-office procedures that whiten teeth But as long as your pearly whites are healthy, you may decide to forget about those white speckles.
2. Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
These least invasive way to get rid of white spots. Brushing and flossing more regularly with fluoride toothpaste. If the white spots are caused by an impending cavity, the fluoride toothpaste might help strengthen your teeth by filling in the tooth structure and demineralizing the area, says Patel, which in turn helps disguise the spots. While there are plenty of over-the-counter fluoride toothpastes, you can get an extra powerful variety at your dentist.
3. Brush Gently
When treating white spots, Dr Patel, recommends brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. “Brush with just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and avoid swallowing it,” he says. By not using too much (or swallowing it) you’ll help prevent unnecessary fluoride consumption, which is a common culprit of white spots on teeth.
4. Cut Back On Acidic Foods
White spots can also be caused by lifestyle habits that strip the outer layer of your enamel. Try taking a break from acidic foods and drinks. Without all that wear and tear on your enamel from acids in your diet, you may notice that the white spots improve.
5. Try A Teeth Whitening Kit
If you’ve had those white spots literally your entire life and thus know they aren’t a sign of a cavity, an at-home teeth whitening kit might be your best bet. “This will typically resolve the issue with the benefit of also whitening the teeth,” says Dr. Nish Patel, DDS, a Florida-based dentist. “Whitening the whole tooth would reduce the appearance of the white spots and solve the issue without any advanced procedure, such as dental veneers.”