Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.

Edmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics. He teaches full-time as a clinical associate professor at his alma mater, New York University College of Dentistry, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and serves on advisory boards for the American Dental Education Association.

The development of white spots on the teeth—clinically called "decalcification "—can be distressing. These deposits are common, arising due to plaque and tartar build-up, insufficient enamel, and following orthodontic treatment, among other factors.

Like other dental issues, decalcification can be a precursor to worse problems, such as gum diseases, cavities, gum recession, and tooth loss.

This article will explain what the white spots on your teeth are, their causes, common treatments, as well as what you can do to prevent them.

When bacteria are left on the teeth for a long time, they form plaque and tartar, producing organic compounds and acids as they digest sugars. Over time, these acids start to break down tooth enamel (the outer layer of the tooth), leaching out calcium and other minerals. This leaves behind permanent white spots or patches of discoloration on the teeth.   

White spots appear on the teeth when the tooth’s enamel starts decomposing due to plaque. However, a wide range of cases can bring this erosion on and lead to decalcification. Here’s a quick overview of common causes.

What you eat and drink has a huge influence on the health of your teeth. A number of dietary factors have been linked to decalcification, including:

To prevent plaque buildup and white spot formation, it’s a good idea to be aware of foods that can damage your teeth. These include:

If you do consume these, make sure to brush or clean your mouth soon afterward to prevent problems.

Fluoride, a common ingredient in toothpaste and often included in drinking water, is generally beneficial for dental health. However, in children ages 8 and younger, excessive exposure to fluoride over a prolonged period of time causes a condition called “fluorosis.”

In its mild form, fluorosis is characterized by white spots on the teeth. Much rarer are more severe cases, which cause pits in the enamel.

Cleaning your teeth is more difficult when you wear braces, making it easier for plaque to build up. It’s little wonder, then, that white spots can emerge after these are taken off, especially if you haven’t been able to keep up with proper oral hygiene during your treatment.

Plaque is a thin, sticky substance that contains bacteria. Build-up of this material is a common issue, and among other negative effects, this can cause decalcification. Proper flossing and brushing removes most plaque; although, even with good oral hygiene, regular professional dental cleaning is the best way to prevent it from collecting.

Enamel hypoplasia is when tooth enamel doesn’t form properly, causing it to be thin, pitted and more prone to cavities. This is a common cause of white spots.

Many cases are inherited, arising due to genetic diseases, smoking or nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, low birth weight, or premature birth. Additionally, those with poor nutrition, cerebral palsy, liver and kidney problems, and upper-respiratory or urinary tract infections, among other conditions, may also experience decalcification.

If plaque on the teeth isn’t removed, it can harden to form calcium deposits. Commonly known as tartar, they can cause decalcification and gum disease, leading to tooth loss, cavities, and abscesses if untreated.

The saliva (or spit) in your mouth helps protect your teeth from damage brought on by bacteria and plaque. Dry mouth increases the risk of white spot formation (alongside other issues). People who sleep with their mouths open are prone to this and are therefore at risk for decalcification.

While there’s a lot you can do to prevent the formation of white spots on your teeth, only dental treatments can remove them after they’ve appeared. You and your dentist have a range of options to choose from.

Preventing white spots from forming on your teeth primarily means keeping up with good oral hygiene habits. What are some things you should do? Here’s a breakdown:

White spots on the teeth, or decalcification, can be caused by various factors, including diet, plaque or tartar build-up, braces, fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, and sleeping with your mouth open.

There are a variety of treatment and preventive measures used for decalcification. However, the biggest factor in ensuring you don’t develop white spots on your teeth is keeping up with good oral and dental hygiene. This means not only brushing twice a day and flossing daily, but also making sure you go to dental check-ups and cleanings regularly (every six months).

While it can be tempting to think of white spots on your teeth as merely a cosmetic issue, they can be signs of bigger problems. If you or your child experiences these, it’s important to be proactive about seeking out care. Talk to your dentist about options to brighten your smile—and help your teeth—today.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

Gupta S, Khangura A, Gulati A, Singh S. Tooth decalcification using different decalcifying agents: a comparative study. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2021;25(3):463. doi:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_203_21

Sıtkı Sarper T, Burçak K. Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of white spot lesions related to orthodontics. Int J Oral Dent Health. 2019;5(2). doi:10.23937/2469-5734/1510085

NewMouth. White spots on teeth (causes & treatment).

University of Rochester Medical Center. The best and worst foods for your teeth.

Division of Oral Health, Centers for Disease Control. Fluorosis.

Foulds H. Developmental defects of enamel and caries in primary teeth. Evid Based Dent. 2017;18(3):72-73. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6401252

Pini N, Sundfeld-Neto D, Baggio F et al. Enamel microabrasion: an overview of clinical and scientific considerations. World J Clin Cases. 2015;3(1):34. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v3.i1.34

American Sleep Association. Snoring chin straps 101.

Cazzolla AP, De Franco AR, Lacaita M, Lacarbonara V. Efficacy of 4-year treatment of icon infiltration resin on postorthodontic white spot lesions. BMJ Case Rep. 2018;2018:bcr2018225639. doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-225639

NewMouth. White spots on teeth (causes & treatment).

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.