What are the white spots on my teeth?

What are the white spots on my teeth?

Cleveland Clinic says dental fluorosis shows as discoloration ranging from a few faint white flecks to white, light brown or dark brown spots, with pitting in severe cases, caused by children getting too much fluoride while permanent teeth are forming, often from heavily fluoridated water or formula, or swallowing large amounts of toothpaste. Healthline says enamel hypoplasia, a defect that forms while teeth are developing, shows white spots, pits and grooves on the outer surface, with causes ranging from inherited conditions to prenatal and infancy factors. The American Association of Orthodontists says plaque left on teeth during braces can cause permanent white marks (decalcification). A dentist tells which it is.

Are white spots on teeth harmful?

Cleveland Clinic says dental fluorosis is a cosmetic concern that is not painful and usually does not affect overall health or tooth function. Healthline says thin enamel from hypoplasia can cause sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. White marks from plaque around braces are early enamel damage, so improved cleaning matters. Have any new or changing white spot checked.

How are white spots treated?

Cleveland Clinic says dental fluorosis can be corrected cosmetically with whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns or enamel microabrasion. Healthline says treatment for enamel hypoplasia depends on severity: mild defects may need monitoring and topical fluoride, while more significant problems may be treated with sealants, fillings, crowns, microabrasion or whitening. The AAO says a daily fluoride rinse can strengthen enamel and help prevent white marks during braces. Ask your dentist which option fits.

What does it mean when your gums are white?

Healthline's article on white spots on gums lists canker sores, which start as red bumps with a white or yellow center, oral thrush, a Candida overgrowth causing creamy white or yellow lesions, oral lichen planus, with white lace-like patches, and leukoplakia, thick or hard white patches that cannot be scraped off, which are usually benign but sometimes precancerous. See a dentist if you notice white spots on gums for the first time, immediately if with pain, and if symptoms do not resolve within a week. Healthline's pale gums article lists anemia, leukoplakia, vitamin K deficiency in newborns and menopause-related changes as causes of pale gums and advises talking to a doctor or dentist.

What do black gums mean?

Healthline lists bruises, eruption hematoma, amalgam tattoo from filling particles, blue nevus, melanotic macule, oral melanoacanthoma and, less commonly but seriously, oral cancer. Most dark spots are harmless, but see a doctor or dentist for any new dark spot, especially if painful or changing in size, shape or color, or with open sores, unusual bleeding, swelling or a voice change. The Healthline article does not discuss natural pigmentation, so ask your dentist whether dark gums are normal for you. See our guides on black gums and pale gums.

What does it mean if your gums are dark or gray?

Dark gum areas can reflect the causes above. Healthline says bruises usually heal on their own, amalgam tattoos need no treatment, and a biopsy may be done if a spot changes. Heavy alcohol use and tobacco are the main risk factors for oral cancer, according to Healthline.

Brushing and prevention

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth, which the ADA advises daily, and keep up cleanings. During braces, the AAO advises brushing after meals, flossing daily and using a fluoride rinse if your orthodontist recommends one.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask what is causing the spot and whether it needs treatment.

• Are these white spots fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia or early decay?
• Should I use fluoride, bonding or another treatment?
• Is the dark or white patch on my gums harmless?
• Does it need a biopsy or a check-up in a few weeks?
• How can I prevent more spots?

Frequently asked questions