White spots on teeth can be embarrassing and frustrating. They are often the result of poor oral hygiene, but can also be caused by certain medications or diseases.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of white spots on teeth, and most of them are affordable and easy to do at home.
In this guide, we will explore several methods for getting rid of white spots on teeth, as well as the causes and treatments for these unsightly blemishes.
What causes white spots on teeth?
There are three major causes of white spots on teeth.
They are as follows:
1. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can be caused by laziness, lack of education, or neglect. However, whatever the reason may be,
not properly brushing and flossing your teeth can lead to yellow tartar accumulating on your teeth, which causes white spots that are difficult if not impossible to get rid of.
If not treated properly, this can lead to tooth decay.
2. Medications that cause dry mouth
Several medications cause a dry mouth by suppressing the production of saliva.
When this happens, food debris and bacteria that normally get washed away accumulate on your teeth, leaving white spots.
3. Diseases affecting the gums and bones
Several diseases affect the gums, jawbones, or other parts of your mouth that can lead to white spots on teeth.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Periodontitis
- Dental fluorosis
- Leukemia
- Radiation treatment
- Diabetes
How to get rid of white spots on teeth
Wonder what’s the best white spot treatment for teeth?
There are actually several ways to fix white spots on teeth at home.
Here is a list of methods that can be used to remove these unsightly blemishes at home with little effort.
1. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get rid of white spots on teeth.
Simply apply a pea-sized amount of paste to each tooth that has a spot, then brush normally.
2. Baking soda
Another easy method to get rid of white spots on teeth is by using baking soda.
Simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one glass of water to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the affected teeth, then brush gently after allowing it to rest for a few minutes.
3. Strawberries
Cut a strawberry into small pieces, then mash it into a paste.
Apply the paste to your teeth that have spots, then let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Brush with a soft toothbrush in circular motions to polish your teeth and remove white spots.
4. Onions
Cut an onion in half, then rub the cut side on your teeth.
The momentary pain will be well worth it as the onion removes white spots from your teeth and whitens them within a few minutes.
5. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful product that can be used to whiten your teeth and remove most types of stains, including white spots on teeth.
To use it to whiten your teeth, simply dip a dry toothbrush into activated charcoal and brush your teeth as you normally would.
6. Baking soda and coconut oil
This method is a combination of baking soda and coconut oil, which is used to remove tartar buildup from teeth.
You can use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to apply the mixture directly to your teeth that have white spots on them.
7. Hydrogen peroxide
You can use hydrogen peroxide as a natural way to whiten your teeth and remove white spots.
Simply apply some hydrogen peroxide directly to each tooth with a spot on it, then rinse.
8. Salt and lemon juice
Mix a tablespoon of salt with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to create a paste.
Apply the paste to your teeth with white spots on them, then let it rest for a few minutes before brushing with a soft toothbrush in circular motions.
9. Sugar and baking soda paste
This is a homemade toothpaste that can be used to remove white spots on teeth, as well as yellow tartar that accumulates on your teeth.
Simply mix three parts of baking soda with one part of sugar to create a paste, then brush your teeth with it.
10. Salt and grapefruit juice
Mix half a cup of salt with half a cup of grapefruit juice to create a thick paste.
Apply the paste to your teeth with white spots on them, then let it rest for a few minutes before gently brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
There are other home treatments to remove white spots on teeth. In most cases, the method you choose will depend on how severe your case of tooth whitening is.
Note though that these home treatments can just do much to lighten the stains on your teeth.
If these home remedies do not work for you, then you should visit a dentist to get professional treatment for white spots on your teeth.
Preventing white spots on teeth
The best ways to prevent white spots on your teeth are as follows:
- Thoroughly brush and floss your mouth every day. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once every day.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
- Limit sugar and sugary foods in your diet.
- Avoid acidic food such as cola or coffee.
- Avoid smoking, since it can darken your teeth over time.
- Take fluoride supplements
Regular Dental Checkups
Teeth whitening for white spots on teeth can be achieved in many ways.
And many of them are easy to follow, so you do not have to worry about spending a lot of money and time.
Just do it carefully, then you will see the result.
Aside from these prevention measures, regular dental checkups and cleanings can help you maintain a beautiful natural white smile.
If you are in Houston, Texas, our dentist at Brownstone Dental can check your teeth and provide you with a treatment plan.
