White spots on teeth are caused by the loss of minerals from the "enamel". This problem is known as hypocalcification, while the formation of spots is called hypoplasia. Since white spots indicate that tooth enamel is damaged, they can also be the first sign of tooth decay or cavity formation. There are many ways to treat these spots, but it's still important to try to prevent them from forming first.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treat Your Teeth at Home
Step 1. Make a remineralizing toothpaste
Treating your teeth with nutrients like calcium can help strengthen them. One way to get rid of white spots, and other signs of damage on your teeth, is to make a toothpaste with calcium and other essentials. Substances such as baking soda contain abrasive elements to scratch away stains and normalize the pH balance in the mouth. To prepare the toothpaste you need:
- In a small bowl, mix 5 tablespoons of calcium powder, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of food-grade diatomaceous earth. You can also add 3 tablespoons of xylitol powder to prevent the toothpaste from tasting too bitter.
- Add enough coconut oil to give the ingredients a pasty texture. Typically, you can add 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- If you want, you can also add a drop or two of food-grade essential oils to improve the taste. Usually, mint, lemon and cinnamon are added.
- Store the toothpaste in a sealed jar and use it to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day.
Step 2. Make a remineralizing powder for your teeth at home
If you prefer to use a powdered substance to clean your teeth instead of a paste, you can make one with bentonite; it is a clay that has the ability to extract heavy metals and toxins from the teeth and mouth, restoring the pH balance. Bentonite is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and silica, which help eliminate white spots from teeth. To prepare a remineralizing powder for teeth at home:
- In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of bentonite, 3 tablespoons of calcium powder, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 tablespoon of xylitol powder, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- If you want, you can also add 2 teaspoons of powdered mint leaves, or a few drops of peppermint, or cinnamon essential oil for food use, to improve the flavor.
- Store the powder in a sealed jar, and apply it with your fingers or a toothbrush 2-3 times a day.
Step 3. Rinse with green tea a couple of times each day
Green tea is a natural ingredient used in several homeopathic remedies, and it also has properties that can help eliminate white spots from teeth. Green tea is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and can help remineralize your teeth. Green tea also contains antibacterial catechins, which help prevent plaque build-up. Green tea is also a natural source of fluoride. To use green tea:
- Soak a bag of green tea leaves in 1-2 cups of warm water, steep for about five minutes.
- Let the tea cool while it is still hot enough, without being too hot. When it has reached the right temperature, take a sip of tea and rinse for 30 seconds, up to 1 minute. Repeat until all the tea is finished.
- Repeat this process 2 to 4 times a day.
Step 4. Try oil pulling
It is an ancient Indian remedy that uses essential oils to eliminate toxins and bacteria from the mouth. Rinsing your mouth with oil can also whiten your teeth, prevent dryness, and restore the mineral content in your teeth. Regular use could help eliminate white spots and strengthen teeth and gums. Oil pulling is most effective when done first thing in the morning after waking up, but you can also do it again at night to speed up results.
- Put 1-2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth.
- When using the first few times, rinse your mouth with the oil for about 1-2 minutes. As you become more used to the treatment, try increasing it to twenty minutes if you can.
- After rinsing with the oil for the allotted time, spit out and rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Follow the treatment by cleaning your teeth with a remineralizing paste or powder.
Step 5. Apply lemon juice to your teeth
Some ingredients in over-the-counter products can cause damage to your teeth resulting in increased stains. In fact, these products contain bleach and other chemicals that change the surface and color of the enamel, weakening it. White spots are already a sign of weakening of the enamel; consequently, it is counterproductive to try to eliminate them, creating further damage to the teeth.
Try dipping a cotton ball in lemon juice and applying it to your teeth. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a kind of natural bleach, so it's a safe way to whiten your teeth and hide stains
Part 2 of 3: Visit the Dentist to Get Rid of White Spots
Step 1. Thoroughly clean your teeth professionally
A dentist can examine the stains and determine whether thorough cleaning will be helpful and whether this procedure is safe, taking into account the condition of the enamel. The dentist will also be able to treat the enamel with fluoride and other specific products once the cleaning process is complete. This will help strengthen the teeth.
Step 2. Learn about air abrasion techniques
Another usual way dentists remove white spots from teeth is by gently scrubbing them with abrasives. This treatment is preferable for small spots, because too much abrading of the teeth tends to wear away the enamel.
The procedure uses a special tool that blows crystal particles directly onto the calcium deposit, taking it away. The stain is then retouched with fillers and sealants
Step 3. Consider chemical micro-abrasion
As with air abrasion, the goal of this process is to treat white spots by gently removing the calcium deposit, which causes the discoloration. The solution is only appropriate with medium and small stains, as applying abrasive chemicals to larger areas would further damage the teeth.
During the procedure, the dentist applies a special acid that corrodes the calcium deposit on the tooth. The acid is applied only on stains to avoid more serious damage to the enamel. Then, the dentist will use the drill on the abraded stains to seal the enamel and protect it from further damage
Step 4. Have the abraded stains treated with the resin infiltration system
During this procedure, the dentist will use a special resin gel to open the pores of the tooth at the stain. After the gel has penetrated all layers of the discolored teeth, the dentist will solidify the resin with a special light. After about 15-20 minutes, the white spots should blend in with the nail polish. This procedure will prevent acids from attacking the enamel and penetrating the teeth, and will help keep them from cavities.
Step 5. Undergo local remineralizing therapy
These treatments are similar to home remedies, except they contain precise prescriptions on the ingredients to use. These treatments are faster than those at home, because they use specific pastes and chewing gums to reintroduce high amounts of minerals, able to treat the microscopic holes that accompany the formation of white spots.
- These products contain high levels of fluoride, suitable for treating white spots, and to help prevent future cavities and spots from forming.
- Some product choices include casein phosphopeptides (CPPs), as well as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) powders, pastes, and chewing gums.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing the formation of white spots
Step 1. Practice good oral hygiene
Since white spots are an indication of enamel damage, and early stages of tooth decay, preventing these spots from forming is almost always possible with regular brushing and flossing. Improving your dental hygiene habits reduces the likelihood of white spots forming in the future. Here are some tips to help you improve your oral hygiene habits:
- Always brush your teeth after waking up, after eating, and before going to bed.
- Check the fluoride content of the toothpaste. You will need enough fluoride to reduce acidity and balance the pH levels in your mouth, but not enough to cause damage. Aim for fluoride between 1000 and 1500 parts per million, unless your dentist gives you a different prescription.
- Floss every night. If you have trouble using standard floss, try one with special features that make it easier to use.
- Go to the dentist every six months. Good home care prevents most problems, but a dentist can diagnose early signs of plaque buildup and other related problems.
Step 2. Avoid foods and drinks that damage your teeth
Some foods can damage the enamel and make the mouth acidic and dry, favoring the development of bacteria. In this way, harmful bacteria can infiltrate the pores of the teeth, appropriate the nutrients and minerals, and cause the white spots. Here are some tips to reduce your intake of harmful products:
- Avoid sugary drinks, especially carbonated drinks like soda. Also be wary of sweets and, in general, products that contain artificial sweeteners.
- If you need something to sweeten, opt for natural alternatives, like honey or maple syrup, and use as little as you can.
- If you consume products that are high in sugar or high in carbohydrates, be sure to brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
Step 3. Eat foods rich in minerals
In addition to ensuring the necessary supply with home remedies or professional treatments, another great way to avoid white spots is to eat foods that provide minerals to the teeth.
- By consuming foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, your teeth and body will absorb nutrients that help make your teeth strong and prevent white spots.
- Also look for foods that are high in magnesium, such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, soybeans, and avocados, as magnesium helps the body absorb more calcium.
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated helps your body perform different functions better, and can even prevent white spots. When the mouth is dry, the lack of saliva changes the pH balance in the mouth, allowing bacteria to develop and attack the teeth with their acidity.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day (about 2L). Avoid hydrating yourself with liquids such as fruit juices, soda, or other drinks. If you drink any of these harmful liquids, be sure to rinse your mouth with water, or brush your teeth afterward
Step 5. Avoid caffeine and tobacco products
Two of the most harmful substances you can get into your mouth are tobacco and caffeine. Caffeine is extremely acidic and damages the enamel, allowing bacteria to enter the pores of the teeth and cause white spots and tooth decay. Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth, favoring the formation of damage and white spots.
