Do you see white spots on teeth after whitening? Well, you are not alone in this, as many people tend to experience this after whitening their teeth.
Teeth whitening is a widely accepted cosmetic treatment that helps brighten your smile and make your teeth pearly white. Since it is an effective and safe process, people are okay with getting their teeth whitened often.
However, some people experience white spots on their teeth after whitening, an unexpected side effect. You are in the right place if you are also experiencing something similar. In this guide, we will tell you the causes and the ways to remove white patches on teeth.
What Causes White Spots On Teeth After Whitening?
After the procedure, you expected a brighter smile, but now you see white spots on your teeth. Now the question is, are white specks on teeth after whitening normal? Well, the answer is no!
People often think these spots are due to the whitening process, but that's not the case. There is a high chance that you already had these spots, but they became more prominent after the whitening process.
If the white patches were already there, what caused them? A few reasons could lead to white spots on teeth after whitening, and we have explained them in the lines below.
Early Decay
White spots after whitening teeth could be a sign of early decay. This happens when you let plaque accumulate on your teeth for a long time.
At first, decay shows up as white, chalky areas. But if left untreated, these areas can turn into brown cavities, dissolving the enamel and thus making the white spots more noticeable.
Fluorosis
Another common reason behind white patches on teeth after whitening could be fluorosis. Fluoride protects teeth, but too much can cause white spots, dots, and streaks. This condition is called fluorosis, which can also cause grey and brown spots with small holes.
Fluorosis happens when you swallow too much fluoride and is more common in children still developing their teeth. Using fluoride-based mouthwash or toothpaste isn't a problem, but eating excessive fluoride can be. This is why you should avoid using too many fluoride-based products.
Plaque
The plaque itself is white and looks like wet bread. This is another common cause behind white spots after teeth whitening.
It often builds up around the gum line, making the gums red and inflamed. On the brighter side, plaque can be easily removed with regular brushing. You are good to go as long as you clean the plaque buildup.
Tetracycline Staining
For those unversed, tetracycline is used to treat infections. If a child takes it while their adult teeth still form under the gums, it can cause staining.
Once the teeth come in, they might have dark bands and white spots. Since doctors are aware of this issue, they usually avoid prescribing tetracycline to children.
Dry Mouth
Dehydrated teeth can appear white and chalky, which becomes more noticeable if you breathe through your mouth. This can cause temporary white spots on your teeth overnight.
However, these spots usually disappear once your teeth are wet again. Dentists sometimes dry your teeth to highlight these spots and check for decay.
Hypoplasia or Hypomineralization
Some people have white spots on their teeth since childhood. In that case, it might be due to enamel hypoplasia, meaning the enamel didn't form ideally.
There could be various reasons causing hypoplasia, including illnesses during tooth development, too much or too little calcium, complications during childbirth, and certain medications. Sometimes, it's just a matter of luck.
Braces During Orthodontic Treatment
You can have white spots on your teeth if you don't maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces. These spots become noticeable when the braces are removed, showing a white outline where the brackets are.
This happens because plaque builds up around the braces, leading to early decay. If you don't want to see white marks on your teeth after whitening, follow proper oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When you don't brush and floss properly, it creates an acidic environment in your mouth that is perfect for cavity-causing bacteria to grow. This is especially true if you have braces or other oral appliances that make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly.
It's essential to be extra careful about brushing if you wear braces or are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Poor oral hygiene lets bacteria strip away crucial minerals from your teeth, leading to white spots. If these white spots are ignored, they can turn into full cavities.
Illness or Medications
Certain medications can cause white spots on your tooth enamel. Some antibiotics, for instance, are not approved for children because they can lead to these spots.
Always take medications as your doctor prescribes, and never share your prescriptions. If you notice white spots on your teeth after starting a new medication, talk to your dentist about how to treat them.
Genetics
White marks on teeth from whitening can also occur due to genetics. If these spots run in your family, take extra care with your oral hygiene and discuss your family history with your dentist. This can help you take preventive measures to avoid white spots.
How Long Do White Spots On Teeth Last After Whitening?
White spots on teeth after whitening are usually temporary. These spots often appear because the whitening process dehydrates the teeth, making pre-existing enamel issues more visible. However, these white spots fade away as your teeth rehydrate and adjust after the whitening treatment. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
Maintaining good oral hygiene during this time is essential to help the teeth recover. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding staining foods and beverages, and using fluoride toothpaste can assist in this process.
If the white spots persist beyond a few weeks, it might be beneficial to consult with your dentist. They can provide treatments like fluoride applications, microabrasion, or other cosmetic procedures to help blend the spots more effectively and ensure your teeth look evenly coloured and healthy.
How To Remove White Spots On Teeth?
So, how do you get rid of white patches on your teeth? Well, there are a few ways to eliminate those annoying white spots on your teeth. We have explained those procedures in brief in the pointers given below. It would help if you chose a solution depending on the cause and severity of the white spots.
Microabrasion
Microabrasion is an effective method for treating white spots on the outer layers of the enamel. This method removes the stained outer layer to reveal the healthier enamel underneath.
The process begins with applying a softening solution to the white spots left on for a few minutes. Then, a polisher is used to polish away the white marks, helping to restore a more even appearance.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding can remove white spots in two ways. First, the white spots can be removed from the tooth, and the area is then filled with a composite material that matches the surrounding tooth colour.
Alternatively, the entire tooth can be covered with a composite veneer, which effectively masks the whole surface and hides the white spots.
Teeth Whitening or Bleaching
Another approach is to use teeth whitening or bleaching to lighten your teeth to the same shade as the white spots. This often ensures excellent results.
Initially, whitening may make the white spots more noticeable, but as the treatment progresses, the spots blend in with the rest of your teeth. If white spots are still visible after whitening, you may need to continue the treatment to achieve a uniform colour.
Resin Infiltration
Resin infiltration involves applying a resin to the white spot to help it blend in with the rest of the tooth. This method does not require an injection and is more affordable than veneers or bonding.
Resin infiltration can be particularly useful for addressing white spots caused by braces. While it often improves the appearance of white spots, it may not eliminate them, especially in cases with extensive lesions.
Ceramic Veneers or Crowns
For more severe white spots, ceramic veneers or crowns can cover the affected areas. Veneers are thin shells covering the tooth's front surface, while crowns encase the entire tooth. Both options provide a uniform appearance and can effectively disguise white spots.
Effective Ways To Prevent White Spots On Teeth
Preventing white spots on teeth is critical to maintaining your smile's health and appearance. You should follow these tips if you don't want white patches to appear on your teeth.
Limit Acidic and Sugary Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and beverages can weaken your enamel, making it more susceptible to erosion and the formation of white spots. Try to limit your intake of items like citrus fruits, soda, and other sugary drinks.
When you consume acidic drinks or foods, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acidity. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production, which helps to wash away acids and protect your enamel.
Choose A Gentle Whitening System
Choosing a system containing low concentrations of whitening agents and abrasives is essential when considering teeth whitening. High-concentration whitening products can be harsh on your enamel and cause surface defects and erosion. This, in turn, increases the risk of white spots.
Look for products designed to be gentle on your teeth while effectively whitening them. If needed, you can consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment, as they can help you choose the safest option for your enamel.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent white spots. It would help to brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Plus, it would help if you made flossing a regular part of your routine to remove bacteria and plaque buildup between your teeth.
Plaque buildup can lead to issues like demineralization and enamel erosion, which can cause white spots to form. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, further protecting your enamel from damage.
Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste
Using toothpaste with harsh abrasives can wear away your enamel, increasing the risk of white spots and tooth sensitivity. Choose a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth, as these products are designed to be gentler on your enamel.
Look for toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen and protect your enamel. Regularly switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush can also help minimize enamel abrasion.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing white spots. Your dentist can identify early signs of enamel damage or other issues before they become more serious problems.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss, further protecting your enamel. Discuss any concerns about white spots with your dentist, who can provide personalized advice and treatment options to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Final Words
While teeth whitening can enhance your smile, it's not uncommon to experience white spots on teeth after whitening. These spots are usually temporary and result from the reasons outlined in this post. Following post-whitening care instructions is essential to remove these spots, maintaining good oral hygiene, and staying hydrated. However, if the spots don't go away, it is better to consult your dentist.
FAQs
Do white spots from teeth whitening go away?
White spots that appear after teeth whitening are usually temporary. They often fade as your teeth rehydrate after the whitening process. However, if the spots persist, you should consult your dentist.
How do you fix white calcium spots on teeth?
You should try professional teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, or microabrasion to fix white calcium spots on your teeth.
Why do I have white lines on my teeth after whitening?
White lines on your teeth after whitening can be due to pre-existing enamel issues that the whitening process made more noticeable.
Why do I have a white spot on my gums after whitening toothpaste?
A white spot on your gums after whitening toothpaste might indicate mild irritation or a reaction to the whitening agents.
How do I remove a white spot from my tooth?
You can remove white spots from your tooth by opting for treatments like microabrasion or professional teeth cleaning.
Are white spots permanent?
White spots on teeth are not always permanent. Many can be treated or reduced with dental care and treatments like fluoride, microabrasion, or cosmetic procedures.