White Spots After Whitening Treatment

What Causes These White Spots and How to Treat Them

Many individuals have a desire to whiten their smile and often make an appointment with their dentist for a professional teeth whitening procedure. While teeth whitening has been proven to be both effective and safe, some patients experience white stains on their teeth after the procedure has been completed. It is important that patients do some research on whitening treatments and the different available procedures before making an appointment. Often times, this research leads to a common explanation of why these white stains or spots may occur.

Why Do White Stains Occur?

Teeth whitening treatments themselves do not exactly cause white stains, but if a tooth already has white stains caused by hypocalcification, the whitening process could make them more prominent. Hypocalcification is caused due to a lack of calcium in the tooth’s enamel, which can often lead to discoloration. Hypocalcification can be caused by being exposed to too much fluoride, having a diet high in acid or sugar, or having a large amount of plaque, and the spots it causes are often visible when braces are removed. Getting rid of these spots can be challenging and whitening can make them more visible.

Can White Stains Be Removed?

While it may not be possible to completely remove the white stains on teeth, there are some treatments that could correct the discoloration. For example, using a teeth whitening treatment that uses carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide can help to break up the stains and brighten the surrounding area to make the stains less visible. Microabrasion to the enamel is another way to remove white stains, especially when the stains are on the outermost layer of the enamel – this is an abrasive treatment in which hydrochloric or phosphoric acid is combined with a form of pumice.

How to Prevent Stains on Teeth

Once your teeth are shiny and white, it is important to work to keep them that way and prevent any future stains that would require another whitening treatment. Daily care is very important and goes a long way in preventing stains on teeth – a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is a great place to start. Also, consider using a whitening toothpaste to help remove stains before they set into teeth to help keep your smile healthy. Remember, before considering a whitening treatment, make sure to consult with your dental professional.

If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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