The short answer
White spots on teeth usually come from one of three things: early mineral loss from plaque acid, fluorosis from too much fluoride while the teeth were forming, or thin enamel. Early mineral-loss spots can harden again with fluoride. Spots that stay can be blended with whitening or covered with bonding.
Most white spots are harmless to look at but worth having checked, because one kind is the very first stage of a cavity. A dentist can usually tell which kind you have at a checkup.
What causes white spots on teeth?
- Mineral loss (demineralization). Plaque left on the teeth makes acid that draws minerals out of the enamel, leaving chalky white patches, often near the gum line.
- Fluorosis. Faint white flecks or streaks that form only while teeth are developing under the gums, up to about age 8. Adults can’t develop it, and it doesn’t harm the teeth.
- Enamel hypoplasia. Enamel that formed too thin, from illness or low vitamins or calcium in early childhood. It can show as white spots, small pits or yellow-brown patches.
White spots can also show up after braces or after whitening. Both are covered below.
How do you get rid of white spots on teeth?
The fix depends on the cause:
- Early mineral loss can harden and fade with fluoride treatment, a fluoride toothpaste and cleaner brushing near the gum line.
- Mild fluorosis often blends in after teeth whitening, which lightens the rest of the tooth.
- Spots that stay can be covered with tooth-colored bonding, or with veneers when several front teeth are affected.
No home remedy removes a white spot. Lemon juice and baking soda don’t work, and acid can make mineral loss worse.
Is a white spot the start of a cavity?
Sometimes. A chalky white patch near the gum or between teeth can be the earliest stage of decay, before there is a hole. At that stage it can still harden again, which is why it’s worth catching early. Our page on tooth decay explains how a cavity develops from there.
Why do white spots show up after braces?
Plaque collects easily around brackets and wires, and its acid draws minerals out of the enamel underneath. The marks show once the braces come off. They are very common: studies find them in up to about half of people who wore braces. Fluoride and good cleaning help early marks fade; bonding or veneers can cover marks that stay.
Why do teeth get white spots after whitening?
Whitening can make spots you already had stand out for a while, and the treated teeth can look patchy at first. These often settle over the following days. If spots are still there after a week or two, have them checked, as they may be early mineral loss or fluorosis that bonding can blend. Our teeth whitening page explains what to expect.
White spot questions
Are white spots on teeth permanent?
It depends on the cause. Early mineral-loss spots can fade with fluoride. Fluorosis and thin enamel don’t go away on their own, but they can be blended or covered.
Which vitamin deficiency causes white spots on teeth?
Low vitamin A, C or D, or calcium, while teeth are forming in early childhood can lead to thin enamel with white spots. There’s no evidence a deficiency in adults causes new spots.
Can you get rid of white spots naturally?
Early spots can harden with a fluoride toothpaste and fewer sugary snacks and drinks. Scrubbing or acidic home remedies won’t remove them.
Not sure what your spots are? A dental checkup will tell you. Book an appointment or call 845-336-5855.
