White stains on teeth: A guide to causes, treatment and prevention

We often talk about problems with yellow teeth or dark stains, but did you know that you can also get white stains on teeth, in particular the front teeth? White marks on your teeth can be an early sign of tooth decay,1 so it’s important to react quickly to the first signs of them appearing.

If you’re asking, ‘Why do I have white spots on my teeth?’, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top causes of white spots on the front teeth, including:

• Dental plaque
• Cavities
• Fluorosis
• Enamel hypoplasia
• Diet
• Dry mouth
• Braces
  

Read on to discover what these white marks on your teeth are, their causes, our tips to get rid of them, and finally some advice on how to prevent white stains on teeth in the future.

What is the decalcification of teeth?

Before exploring the main causes of white marks on teeth, you may have heard the term ‘decalcification’. Here are a few facts to help you understand exactly what the decalcification of teeth is, and how it is linked to white stains on the teeth:¹

1. Decalcification is the process by which the surface of the tooth becomes damaged.
2. Essentially, it is the loss of essential calcium and minerals from the outside of the tooth.
3. It is an irreversible process which leaves the enamel weakened.
4. In serious cases, it can also include the softening of the oral bone tissue.
5. Decalcification often appears as white marks on teeth.

If you’re looking for information about calcium deposits on teeth rather than decalcification, you might be thinking of tartar.

Seven causes of white stains on teeth

If you’ve found yourself wondering, ‘Why do I have white spots on my teeth?’ then this section is for you. Here are the seven main causes of white dots on teeth:

1. Dental plaque and bacteria.² If you don’t keep your teeth clean, the acid from plaque can begin to erode the tooth enamel and cause white or yellow stains to appear on your teeth. This becomes worse if the plaque is neglected and allowed to harden into calcium deposits on teeth.
2. Cavities. You may think that cavities are always black, but a white spot on the teeth could be an early sign of tooth decay and can develop into cavities.²
3. Fluorosis.³ This condition can cause white spots on the front teeth, or fine white lines. Fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay and, in the correct amount, also aids in the development of teeth in children. However, too much fluoride can cause a change in the appearance of tooth enamel.
   
4. Enamel hypoplasia.⁴ This disturbance during tooth formation can result in white dots on teeth, as well as weakening the enamel, making it easier to develop cavities. The causes of hypoplasia include:
   • Smoking during pregnancy
   • Taking antibiotics containing tetracyclines during pregnancy
   • Premature birth
   • Infant malnutrition
   • Congenital disorders
   • Vitamin A, C or D deficiency
5. Diet. As white stains on teeth are an early sign of tooth decay, they may be caused by overindulging in alcohol, sugar, or other foods and drinks that can promote tooth decay.⁵ Improper oral hygiene after consuming acidic or sugary items can cause not only staining but also cavities and tooth sensitivity.
   
6. Dry mouth. There are a lot of causes of dry mouth, whether it’s because you’re not drinking enough water, you’ve been sleeping with your mouth open or you’re going through chemotherapy.⁶ Whatever the cause, a dry mouth can be bad for your oral health, as saliva helps to protect your teeth. With less saliva your teeth can become decalcified, leading to white dots on your teeth.⁷
7. Orthodontics. Braces and other dental apparatus can make it harder to brush your teeth thoroughly, potentially leading to white marks on teeth. Make sure you take the time to keep your teeth and braces clean.²

Tips to remove white stuff on teeth

Depending on the problem that caused the white marks on your teeth, there are a number of options to help you get rid of them. Here’s a quick and easy guide for how to get rid of white spots on teeth:

• Book an appointment to see your dentist. While you may have an idea of the underlying cause of the white stains on your teeth, only your dentist will be able to tell you where the white spots on your teeth come from. They will be able to offer appropriate treatment options such as fillings, professional cleaning or tooth whitening.
• Where pathology is the cause, you may require veneers. For adults with white spots on the teeth where professional cleaning doesn’t quite do the job, veneers may be an option to get your smile looking its best again. Once again, it is important to consult your dentist or dental hygienist as they will be able to offer you the best advice.
• For children, the best solution is good oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is not recommended for children, so ensuring they take care of their teeth is the best measure to treat and avoid white stains on their teeth.

Tip: Using a sonic toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare for Kids is a great way to encourage kids to take charge of their own oral health with its fun interchangeable stickers for customisation. It’s specifically designed for developing teeth.

Tips to prevent a white spot on the teeth

It’s important to understand the causes of white marks on teeth, and of course how to get rid of white spots on teeth, but the best way to protect your teeth is by preventing staining in the first place. Here are some top tips to prevent a white spot on the teeth:

1. Maintain good oral hygiene. A lot of dental issues can be prevented simply by brushing your teeth properly.
2. Brush well after each meal. This will help you avoid tartar and bacteria build-up. Just don’t forget to wait for an hour after eating before brushing.
3. Adjust your diet.⁸Cutting down on sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to prevent the appearance of white marks on your teeth.
4. Quit smoking.⁹ Another option for preventing white marks on the teeth is deciding to stop smoking. This will help slow the plaque build-up that can lead to white stains.
5. Drink water.¹⁰ This will help to keep your teeth protected and stain-free.
6. Wear a chin strap. Prone to sleeping with your mouth open? A chin strap can help to keep it closed so you can prevent dry mouth and the decalcification of your teeth.

With that, we’ve covered the basics of white stains on teeth, so you can not only get rid of them but also prevent them from occurring. Once the white stuff on your teeth is gone, all that’s left is for you to enjoy your dazzling smile.

The advice in this article is given only as information and does not constitute medical advice. If you’re concerned about oral problems, consult your dentist or another qualified health professional.