You’ve just completed a teeth whitening session at your local dentist and you’re so excited to show off your new brighter smile to your friends and family, but when you look in the mirror, you notice that some of your newly whitened teeth are now sporting white spots. Although this may be frustrating, there are some simple things you can do to remedy the situation and get your smile back to how it was before you started whitening in the first place. If you’re experiencing any white spots on your teeth after whitening, keep reading to find out the cause, solution and prevention for white spots on teeth. Contact us at Manor House Dental if you have any questions or concerns about white spots on teeth after whitening, contact us today!
What Are White Spots On Teeth?
White spots on your teeth are normally due to the loss of minerals in your tooth’s enamel layer. It is common for patients to become aware of these white spots especially after completing an at-home writing treatment. If you’re noticing white spots on your teeth, it’s caused by a lower than usual amount of calcium. White teeth will not make spots appear on your teeth. There are two potential causes of white spots. One may be from contact with fluoride and heavy plaque buildup. White spots can also appear after orthodontic appliances, such as bands and brackets, are removed. Determining how to deal with these spotty whites is difficult because some procedures for teeth whitening can cause the spots to be brighter than the rest of the tooth.
What Causes White Spots On Teeth After Whitening?
11 common causes of white spots on teeth:
- Early decay
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor diet
- Fluorosis
- Tetracycline staining
- Braces
- Plaque
- Dry mouth
- Hypoplasia
- Illness or medications
- Genetics
If you are experiencing any of the above, contact your dentist.
How Long Do White Spots Stay On Teeth After Whitening?
You might notice white spots immediately after a bleaching session but don’t panic! As your teeth become lighter, the spots will fade. Some teeth may appear banded with whiter areas.
Can Dentists Remove White Spots On Teeth?
Yes. If you are concerned about having white spots on your teeth or if they are changing in size and number and you have tooth pain, you should see your dentist. If you have enamel hypoplasia, which is when the enamel has not been formed correctly, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and dental damage. Also, if you have tooth pain or any other dental problem, contact your dentist and they can help evaluate the symptoms and condition of your teeth and recommend a treatment plan for you if needed.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
It’s always better to prevent issues before they occur. For the mouth, good oral hygiene is the answer, ensuring there’s no decay. Make sure you spit the toothpaste out, not swallow it. Different strengths of toothpaste exist. Please ask your dentist for the proper size of toothbrush for you and for how long to use it each day. He or she will also know if you live in a fluoridated water area. To keep your teeth bright, white, and healthy, regular maintenance is necessary. Surface stains can quickly return or be hard to treat without a dentist. A dental expert can recommend treatments, like bleaching and fluoride, for the brightest smile and offer ways to help avoid staining in the first place. Such as keeping oral hygiene up to date. A whitening toothpaste, brushing twice a day and flossing twice a day can all help you maintain your healthy, white teeth.
If you have discoloured or stained teeth, contact Manor House Dental for a consultation appointment. We can help you determine the cause of your issue and find a solution for restoring your smile.
Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth Whitening
FAQs
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
You should whiten your teeth once every three months, even if they are not noticeably greyer at the time. Teeth whitening can be a fantastic way to boost your smile and improve your self-confidence but beware of the potential dangers that can arise if you go too far. Too much whitening can result in tooth and gum sensitivity, teeth discolouration, and weakening of tooth enamel.
Is Teeth Whitening Painful?
Dental sensitivity usually falls into two camps: discomfort or pain associated with teeth whitening treatments or minutes, hours, or days following teeth whitening. Often, these types of issues are attributed to either the teeth or gums and will depend on the type of teeth whitening.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to three years – how long is up to the individual. The effect will wear off quickly if you smoke or drink things that can stain your teeth, like red wine, tea, or coffee.
