White spots and fluorosis: gentle, minimally invasive treatment

White, chalky or mottled spots on the teeth are common. They can make people feel self-conscious about their smile, but many cases can be improved with gentle treatments that keep your natural tooth structure.

What causes white spots?

• Early demineralization: the enamel loses minerals because of plaque, often around braces or where brushing is difficult. This is the earliest stage of decay.
• Fluorosis: too much fluoride while the teeth were forming in childhood, causing white streaks or patches. It is cosmetic and not a disease.
• Developmental enamel defects that happen while the teeth are forming.

Minimally invasive options

The best treatment depends on the cause, how deep the spots are, and your goals. Your dentist may recommend one or a combination of these:

• Remineralization: fluoride varnish and special pastes help restore minerals to early white spots and stop them from progressing.
• Resin infiltration: a thin, fluid resin is drawn into the porous enamel after a gentle surface preparation. It helps the spot blend in with the rest of the tooth, usually with no drilling and no injection.
• Microabrasion: a very thin surface layer of stained enamel is carefully polished away with a mild paste.
• Teeth whitening: can help the spots blend with the surrounding tooth color.

For deeper or larger areas, tooth-colored bonding or veneers may give the best result. Your dentist will examine your teeth and explain the most conservative option for you.

This guide is general information to help you prepare for your visit. It isn't a diagnosis. Your dentist will check your teeth and recommend what's right for you.