Have you ever gone through a whitening procedure for a gleaming Hollywood smile that resulted in white spots on your teeth? We know these undesirable marks are enough to shatter your confidence and make your smile uncomfortable and flawed. Well, you don’t need to worry as it has no medical concerns and can wither away over time with some keen steps.
In this article, we will discuss why white spots on teeth after whitening treatment occur. You will also learn how this dental complication can be cured and restricted from appearing again.Let’s dive in to find out.
What Causes White Spots After Teeth Whitening?
White spots on teeth after whitening treatments are frustrating if you know nothing about this dental limitation. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes of these white spots to address and prevent them effectively. Let’s dive into the key reasons behind these post-whitening blemishes.
Decalcification
Decalcification is the removal of calcium and phosphate minerals from the tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of teeth that is hard and protects them from decay and wear. When enamel loses minerals, it becomes weakened and more susceptible to damage and staining.
Hence, white spots on teeth after whitening can occur due to decalcification. The whitening treatments work by breaking down the molecules that cause tooth discoloration. This process, however, can also lead to the loss of minerals from the enamel. When areas of the enamel become decalcified, they appear whiter than the surrounding tooth surface, resulting in white spots.
Pre-existing Conditions
Sometimes, white spots may have been present on the teeth before the whitening treatment but were less evident due to the overall discoloration. When the surrounding enamel becomes whiter, these pre-existing white spots can become more apparent.
Fluorosis
If your teeth whitening has gone patchy, the reason might be dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a condition that arises from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Fluoride is naturally found in various sources, including water, toothpaste, and specific dental treatments.
If you have been dealing with dental fluorosis, the white spots on teeth after whitening may appear. This is because the areas affected by dental fluorosis already have an altered mineralization pattern, making them more porous and susceptible to staining. When teeth are whitened, these porous areas can stand out, accentuating white spots contrasting with the newly whitened enamel.
Post-Whitening Dehydration
Post-whitening dehydration is a temporary condition that can occur during and immediately after a teeth-whitening treatment. It results from the bleaching agents in whitening products, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
During teeth-whitening, the bleaching agents open the enamel’s pores, allowing them to enter the tooth structure. As these agents work to eliminate stains, they also extract moisture from the enamel, causing a temporary loss of water content. This dehydration leaves behind a porous and less mineralized surface, causing white spots on teeth after whitening.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments, like braces or clear aligners, aim to correct misaligned teeth, bite issues, and other dental irregularities. These treatments often involve using brackets, wires, or aligners affixed to the teeth for an extended period.
These orthodontic essentials exert pressure on tooth enamel, resulting in decalcification after whitening treatments. Studies reveal that 23.4% of patients develop at least a single white spot lesion during an orthodontic treatment. Also, due to improper teeth cleaning, the oral bacteria erode the enamel, leading to loss of minerals, which is a leading cause of white spots.
Some Useful Ways to Prevent White Spots
Preventing white spots on your teeth is essential to maintaining a robust and aesthetically pleasing smile. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of the critical preventive measures to keep in mind:
Choose a Gentle Whitening System
When considering teeth-whitening, opt for a system that employs a low concentration of whitening agents and minimal abrasives. Low-concentration whitening products are less likely to cause enamel erosion and surface defects, reducing the risk of white spots.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice daily and make flossing a regular part of dental care to remove plaque and bacteria. Plaque buildup can lead to enamel erosion and demineralization, increasing the risk of white spots. Rinsing with mouthwash can further assist in reducing harmful bacteria.
Reduce Acidic Food and Drink Consumption
Limit consumption of acidic foods and beverages with high sugar content. Acidic substances can weaken enamel and make it more susceptible to erosion. Drinking water after consuming acidic items can help neutralize the acidity.
Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste
Refrain from abrasive toothpaste formulations, as these can wear away the enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable to white spots and sensitivity. Opt for toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth, which is gentler on the enamel.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Dental check-ups and cleanings on a regular basis are critical for early detection and intervention. Dentists can identify and address enamel damage or other issues before they escalate into more significant problems, such as white spots.
How Long do White Spots on Teeth last After Teeth Whitening?
The duration of white spots on teeth after whitening can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cause and individual factors. A standard recommendation is to avoid further dental treatments before they entirely disappear.
Conclusion
White spots on teeth after whitening can be a big turn-off, but it can be treated with suitable measures in a matter of time. No matter the cause, you can still get your pearly white teeth without spending a dim on dental treatments and adopting healthy preventive measures for some time that are mentioned in the guide above.
However, if they persist, get reliable teeth whitening services in NJ. Fortunately, Dr. Arthur Yeh and Associate can help you in this regard. We have a professional team of dental and teeth whitening experts in NJ who treat you wholeheartedly with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to bring a dazzling smile you own.
So what are you waiting for? Book your appointments now for an exceptional dental care experience.
