Can Whitening Treatments Cause Stains on the Teeth?

With teeth whitening being widely available for patients to take advantage of, it’s not surprising that many request such treatments in order to perfect their smile. However, despite teeth whitening treatments being confirmed to be both effective and safe, some patients discover unwelcome white stains on their teeth following the procedure.

Wanting to brighten your smile is fairly common, but doing some research before undergoing teeth whitening procedures can be very beneficial. For dental patients who want to whiten their teeth, here is what you should know beforehand about possible white stains on the teeth.

White Stains Following Whitening Treatments

While teeth whitening treatments don’t precisely cause white stains, teeth that are already stained due to hypocalcification could see the white stains they already have made more visible by whitening treatments. Hypocalcification, defined as calcium loss in tooth enamel, can lead to discoloration and is caused by overexposure to fluoride, heavy plaque, a high sugar/acidic diet, or when orthodontic brackets and bands are taken off. Removing these stains can be challenging, given that some teeth whitening treatments can cause hypocalcified areas to look whiter, making the color difference more apparent.

Options for White Stain Treatment

It might not be possible to fully erase white stains, but other treatments are available to potentially correct the teeth’s discoloration. Per the ADA, whitening treatments that use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide could break stains up, helping to brighten up the surrounding color and make the white spots less noticeable.

Another potential treatment for white stains includes enamel microabrasion in cases where the stains are on the enamel’s outermost layer. This treatment involves a combination of pumice and hydrochloric acid, hydrochloric acid but with silica carbide particles, or a phosphoric acid gel and extra fine grain pumice for removing stains from the enamel’s outermost layer.

Preventing Future Stains

Keeping teeth white and stain free calls for regular maintenance, given how stubborn and recurring stains can be. Dentists can have their patients come into the office for future teeth whitening treatments while also treating other possible dental issues, such as cavities. Daily oral health care, including brushing twice per day and flossing once daily, can go a long way toward preventing stains.

Through diligence in dental care, professional cleansings, and whitening treatments (after stain removal or prevention), a bright smile is something anyone can achieve. Remember to always check in with your dental professional before pursuing any kind of teeth whitening procedure, whether in office or at home, and discuss your best options for minimizing stains and enhancing your smile.

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