White Spots on Teeth, Causes, In Child, Adults, Treatment & How to Get Rid

White spots on teeth can rob you that perfect smile you long for. This can not only be annoying but also embarrassing. Anybody, men, women or children can develop these white blotches. The spots are often a sign of poor dental hygiene, other causes, however, include taking too much fluoride or acidic foods.

Identifying the cause of the white stirpes at an early stage can help prevent the discoloration from spreading to other teeth and reduce the risk of unwanted complications. This article offers an insight into some of the possible causes of white spots, in adults and children, treatment, how to prevent and get rid of the blotches at home.

White spots on my teeth causes

White stains on teeth can be a sign of a number of things. In both adults and children, there are different factors or conditions that might cause these spots. Here are some of the most common causes of these spots on your teeth.

1. White spots on teeth from braces

It is common for people wearing teeth braces to develop white spots on teeth. This is more rampant in people with poor dental hygiene. Wearing braces can lead to the buildup of plaque around the braces. In this cases, the white spots are not directly caused by the braces, they occur because, with the braces, it becomes hard to properly clean the teeth.

According to the journal of conservative dentistry, the spots or often seen when orthodontic braces are removed. The spots are a result of acidic and sugary content that buildup around the braces.

2. White spots on teeth after teeth whitening

Teeth whitening or bleaching can also cause white spot or blotches on teeth. The beaching agents or product used in this procedure may weaken your teeth hard protecting enamel thus cause whiter patches under the tooth enamel.

According to the Australian dental journal, to minimize the risk of developing the spots, one should use a remineralizing toothpaste to help build up the mineral content of the teeth and strengthen the enamel. This works by repairing any damage to the enamel.

3. Cavities

Cavities also called tooth decay is caused by a number of factors. Common causes include bacterial infections, taking too many sugary foods, frequent snacking and poor dental hygiene. Statistics show that cavities and tooth decay are among world’s most common health problem.

Tooth decay is common in children, teenagers and in old people. When left untreated, cavities get larger and may affect deeper layers of your teeth. Common complication includes moderate to a severe toothache, infections and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups may help minimize the risk of such complications.

4. Nutritional deficiencies

In some cases, these spots might be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiency affects the health of your teeth causing a condition known as enamel hypoplasia, a condition characters by the presence of white or brown patches under the tooth enamel.

Once you notice these white spots, it is very important to have your dentist checkup on them as soon as possible. When the deficiency is detected at an early stage, it can be very easy to reverse the effects and prevent any complications.

5. Poor dental hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of colored spots on teeth. During the course of the day, the bacteria and pH levels in your mouth are constantly changing. Lack of proper oral hygiene causes demineralization in the tooth that causes the weakening of the tooth enamel.

Without proper dental hygiene, food debris ends up attaching themselves to between teeth or gums causing colored deposits. This can lead to a bacterial infection that not only affects your gums but also your teeth. Bad breath is the other common effect of poor dental hygiene.

When choosing a toothpaste, pick that with less fluoride since too much fluoride can also end up causing the spots. Have your dentist prescribe the best toothpaste for you that is one with not too much or less fluoride.

6. Too much acidic foods

White spots might also result from taking too many acidic foods. A continued buildup of acid in your oral cavity causes the enamel to thin leading to decalcification in your teeth. The international journal of nanomedicine notes that tooth demineralization can result in the white spot.

Acid foods erode the enamel which as said protects your teeth. The white spots are a result causing calcium to leach out. You can prevent this by replacing the lost mineral n time, have your dentist prescribe the most effective toothpaste to help with this.

7. Lots of sugary foods

Apart from consuming too much acidic foods, taking too many sugary things can also cause the white spots. Just like with acidic foods, sugary foods also affects the protective enamel on your teeth causing them to have white marks.

White marks in teeth in adults

White marks in teeth in adults is often a sign of poor dental hygiene. Not keeping your teeth or mouth for that matter clean can lead to the demineralization in the tooth structure that can lead to the appearance of white spots.

Human teeth are made up of lots of minerals that are protected by a hard layer of enamel. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can build up inside your mouth causing acidic compound inside the mouth to weaken your tooth enamel.

During the cause of the day, bacteria and pH levels in your mouth keep changing. Naturally, saliva helps cleanse acids from your teeth and prevent a layer of plaque building up. Apart from preventing the formation of the plaque, good oral hygiene will help get rid of the white plaques.

White spots on teeth in child, baby or toddler

In children or toddlers, white spots are often the result of taking too much fluoride. For babies below 2 years, baby teeth are often the first set of teeth. She or he will eventually have the whole set by three which she or he eventually lose to make room for primary or permanent teeth.

Mayo Clinic notes that these bright spots will often result from taking too much fluoride. This condition is known as fluorosis. Even though your baby’s teeth need fluoride to stay strong and harden the enamel, too much of it can lead to discoloration. Fluoride is also important for making your teeth resistant to acid and bacteria.

Too much exposure to fluoride from sources such as tap water and toothpaste can all cause the discoloration. To prevent the risk of your child developing these spots, talk to his or her pediatrician on the safe amounts of fluoride your baby needs.

Before the teeth come in, try wiping his or her gum with a damp cloth from time to time in order to keep them clean. After the teeth are out, brush them at least twice a day or after a meal and before bedtime. Good dental hygiene is an effective way to prevent cavities and tooth decay or discoloration not only in children but also in adults.

White spots on teeth near gum line

When occurring near your gum line, white spots can be caused by a number of factors. Common such factors include poor oral hygiene, taking too much acidic food, ingesting a lot of sugary foods, or constant teeth whitening procedure.

White spots on teeth along the gum line is also common in people who wear teeth braces. With braces, it becomes near impossible to properly clean your teeth and between gums. This is what then leads to the accumulation of food debris that can lead to bacterial infection and formation of the white spots.

White spots on teeth overnight

It is not common for one to develop white spots on teeth overnight. If however, you are certain that in dee the spots appeared overnight, the perfect explanation for this can be dry mouth.

Normally, when your mouth is dry it holds lots of bacteria. The imbalanced pH level in the mouth caused by dry mouth offers a perfect breeding ground for bacterial overgrowth. The white spots will this result from acid from the bacteria attacking your teeth. There are different cause of dry mouth, a common one is after teeth bleaching or whitening procedure.

Sleeping with your mouth open can also cause dehydration of the enamel, but normally, once saliva hits the teeth, they rehydrated and the white spots disappear.

White spots on teeth when sick

When sick, white spots on teeth can be a caused by nutritional deficiency that affect the health of your teeth leading to a condition known as enamel hypoplasia.

The spots can also be a sign of celiac disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat and barley. This condition has lots of serious complications which will include shortened lifespan, arthritis, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis among others.

Celiac disease can also affect your enamel leading to the development of white spots. Other oral defects of this condition are undersized teeth, pitting and yellow teeth.

White spots on teeth treatment

Though they can be detrimental to your self-esteem, white spots on teeth are harmless and often causes serious complications. If you would wish to remove the spots, there are some effective treatment options your dentist might recommend.

Here are some of the treatment options you can use to get rid of these spots:

Bleaching is a teeth whitening procedure that should only be done under a doctor’s supervision. In this procedure, your dentist will try to balance the color of your enamel. Effective treatment lightens the entire tooth so that it matches the color of the spots.
Micro abrasion in the other hand is a procedure where the entire enamel is removed from the surface of the teeth with mild abrasion to improve the appearance of the colored spots
Nasal decongestantscan be used when the cause of dry mouth is a cold or viral infection that might be causing you to sleep with your mouth wide open. This will help you sleep with your mouth closed.
Porcelain veneer is an effective option for those with significant patches of discoloration that are hard to treat with bleaching alone. In this option, custom fabricated with thin layer of ceramic material, veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth.

How to get rid of white spots on teeth Home Remedies

For a serious or unknown cause of white spots on teeth, urgent and specialized medical diagnosis and treatment is often recommended. However, there are some simple, effective options you can use at home to get rid of the spots and maintain that healthy, beautify and flashy smile.

Here are some natural options to get rid of the white marks, spots or blotches on teeth:

1. Maintain proper dental hygiene

Maintain proper hygiene is the best way to prevent and get rid of colored spots on teeth. To do this, all you need is to regularly brush or floss your mouth.

To prevent damaging the inside of your mouth, use a toothbrush with soft bristle and toothpaste containing the right amount of fluoride and other ingredients. Have your dentist recommend the most effective brand for you.

2. Rinsing with white vinegar

You can also use white vinegar to rinse your mouth and get rid of white spots on teeth and gums. White vinegar is said to contain acetic acid that can help with demineralization of teeth enamel. This remedy can also help prevent and reduce ambulation of plaque that might cause the spots.

To use this remedy:

Simply mix 2 spoons of vinegar and a spoon of kitchen salt in a glass of warm water
Mix the contents and use it to rinse your mouth at least twice a day

3. Green tea mouthwash

Green tea mouthwash can also be a great way to get rid of the colored spots on your teeth. Green tea is said to contain an active agent effective in remineralization of your teeth. Green tea consists of Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids that makes it an effective remedy for getting rid of the spots.

Put a teabag of green tea in a cup of warm water
Leave it in for 5 minutes then remove and allow it to cool
Use this solution to rinse your mouth at least 3 times a day

4. Stick to a healthy diet

To keep your teeth healthy and free from these colored spots, you need to maintain a healthy balanced diet. Ensure you get enough of vitamins and minerals that are important for healthy development of your teeth.

A healthy diet involves reducing your consumption of acidic and sugary foods. Ensure your body stays hydrated by increasing your consumption of water, fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut your consumption of caffeinated drinks, sodas, and alcoholic drinks.

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth – Video

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