White spots or “scars” on teeth can be an early sign of enamel imbalance, often linked to demineralisation, past braces, or even too much fluoride. While they’re usually harmless, they can affect the appearance of your smile and may signal underlying issues worth addressing.
Clinically known as “decalcification,” it can be quite disconcerting. The condition is often the first step towards other conditions like gum disease, gum recession, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
This article will explain what the white scars on teeth are, why they occur, and how to get rid of white scars on teeth.
What are White Scars on Teeth?
White scars (or spots) on teeth are lighter areas on the surface of the tooth that stand out against the darker surrounding enamel. They’re a characteristic sign of enamel demineralisation (or decalcification).
Decalcification occurs when the material making up the hard outer layer of your tooth (the enamel) begins to break down. Calcium and other minerals leach out, leaving behind permanent white spots or patches.
These white spots can affect an individual tooth or be widespread across both the upper and lower sets. The whiter the spots appear, the greater the damage to your teeth.
What Causes White Scars on Teeth?
White scars primarily occur when plaque begins to decompose and decalcify the tooth enamel. Several factors contribute to this process:
Diet
Food and drink are crucial to the health of your teeth. Certain foods can cause or exacerbate decalcification, including:
· Acidic foods and drinks. Citrus, sodas, vinegar, and sparkling water can wear down enamel and promote white spots.
· Low calcium intake. Without enough calcium (from dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods), enamel becomes more prone to decalcification.
· Low phosphorus. This mineral supports enamel repair. Deficiency (from a lack of meat, fish, dairy, or grains) may lead to spot formation.
· Vitamin D deficiency. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus effectively. Low levels can weaken enamel.
· Frequent snacking or sipping. Constant exposure to sugars or acids prevents saliva from remineralising teeth, increasing white lesion risk.
Braces
Braces might help fix your teeth. However, the metal framework can allow plaque to build up during the treatment. If not cleaned properly, white spots can develop after the braces are removed.
The braces themselves don’t cause the white spots — it’s due to poor oral hygiene.
Fluorosis
Fluoride is well-known to be beneficial to your teeth. It’s often included in toothpaste or added to drinking water. However, in children younger than 8, excess fluoride exposure can lead to “fluorosis.”
Common causes include swallowing toothpaste, taking unnecessary supplements, or consuming excessive amounts of fluorinated water. This makes the enamel weaker and mottled, with white streaks or blotches.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is usually due to genetic conditions, smoking, low birth weight, or nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy. The tooth enamel doesn’t develop correctly during pregnancy, becoming thin, pitted, and at high risk of cavities.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Plaque occurs due to a buildup of bacteria. If left uncleaned, it can decalcify the teeth and eventually harden into tartar. Good and regular brushing can prevent this issue.
Conversely, people who correct their oral hygiene using whitening strips and mouthwashes may notice that the white spots become noticeable.
Are White Scars Permanent?
Yes and no.
If white scars on your teeth are identified early, the issue can be fixed. Some remineralisation of your teeth is possible, especially with surface-level marks.
However, if the white scars are widespread and deep into the enamel, then it’s much harder to correct. The white scars themselves are usually permanent, but some cosmetic correction is possible.
At-Home Treatments That May Help
So, how to get rid of white scars on teeth? Most at-home treatments are moderately effective. They can treat milder cases of white spots, but they will not work for everyone.
Popular treatments include:
· Remineralising Toothpaste: Look for hydroxyapatite or fluoride-based pastes
· Oil Pulling: Limited evidence, but some claim it reduces appearance over time
· Avoid Acidic Foods/Drinks: Prevent further enamel erosion
· Good Oral Hygiene: Prevents worsening of demineralisation
· Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements (if diet is poor)
Professional Dental Treatments
The best treatment for white spots on your teeth is a trip to the dentist. It’s the only permanent solution.
Microabrasion
Microabrasion involves rubbing a solution of hydrochloric acid and pumice onto the teeth to remove any stains. It gently polishes the surface, removing any shallow marks. Perfect for post-braces white spots.
Not always suitable for deeper decalcification that microabrasion cannot reach.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening the surrounding teeth can make patches of decalcification less obvious. Your dentist will bleach your teeth to even out the tooth colour. However, it can have the reverse effect, highlighting the white scars.
Often used in combination with other treatments.
Resin Infiltration (Icon Treatment)
If the white scars are deeper within the enamel, resin infiltration is used to fill the white lesion with resin. This strengthens the tooth, bends it with the surrounding enamel, and reduces the risk of future problems.
The treatment is often preferred for fluorosis and post-brace marks.
Veneers or Bonding
Are your white scars extremely severe? The simple solution is to cover them up with veneers. These highly durable covers are attached to the entire front surface of the tooth.
Alternatively, bonding applies a tooth-coloured resin to mask the mark on the outside.
How to Prevent White Scars on Teeth
White scars are highly preventable with the right steps. Parents should monitor their child's water consumption and brushing technique in children under 8 to prevent fluorosis.
For everyone else, it’s mostly a matter of adjusting your diet and improving your brushing technique. We recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle brush and excellent technique.
Oclean can help — the Oclean X Ultra 20 Sonic Toothbrush, for example, uses vibrations to push the toothpaste through the teeth and below the gumline. It’s fantastic for cleaning around braces. The toothbrush features AI voice guidance, quadrant tracking, and app-based brushing reports to ensure your technique is always 10/10.
Start protecting your smile today. Explore the Oclean range to find a smarter brush that helps prevent white scars before they start.
