White patches on the teeth are caused by the loss of mineral content on the surface or tooth enamel. This damage is known as hypocalcification, and the white patches are called hypoplasia. Because it indicates damage to tooth enamel, these spots are an early sign of caries or the formation of cavities in the teeth. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat tooth stains; although you should try to prevent them before they form.
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Method 1 of 3: Treating Your Teeth at Home
Step 1. Make your own mineral toothpaste
Restoring minerals such as calcium may help strengthen teeth. One way to get rid of white spots and other signs of tooth decay is to make a mineral toothpaste that is rich in calcium and other essential elements. Active ingredients such as baking soda which are abrasive can also exfoliate white patches and restore the normal pH of your mouth. To make mineral toothpaste:
- Combine 5 tablespoons (74 ml) of calcium powder, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of diatomaceous earth in a small bowl. You can also add 3 tablespoons of xylitol powder to help reduce the bitter taste of toothpaste.
- Add a little coconut oil until all the ingredients form a paste. It usually takes about 3-5 tablespoons (44-74 ml) of coconut oil.
- If you like, you can also add 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil that is safe to swallow. Commonly used essential oils include mint, lemon, and cinnamon.
- Store the paste in a tight jar, and use it to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day.
Step 2. Make a mineral-rich tooth powder
If you prefer to use a powder instead of a paste for brushing your teeth, you can make a mineral-rich powder using bentonite clay. Bentonite can absorb heavy metals and toxins from your teeth and restore the pH balance of your mouth. Bentonite is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and silica, and can help remove white patches on your teeth. To make mineral-rich tooth powder at home:
- Mix 4 tablespoons (60 ml) bentonite, 3 tablespoons (44 ml) calcium powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) clove powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) xylitol powder, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda (15 ml) in a small bowl.
- If you like, you can also add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of mint leaf powder, or a few drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil that is safe to swallow for a fresher taste of the tooth powder.
- Store the tooth powder in a tight jar, and apply it with your fingers or a toothbrush 2-3 times a day.
Step 3. Gargle with green tea several times a day
Green tea is a natural ingredient contained in a number of homeopathic remedies, and is also effective in helping to remove white patches on teeth. Green tea is an ingredient that is rich in minerals and vitamins, so it may help restore minerals to teeth. Green tea also contains catechins which have antibacterial properties, which can help prevent plaque buildup. In addition, green tea is also a natural source of fluoride. To use green tea:
- Soak a bag of green tea leaves in 1-2 cups (200-500 ml) of warm water for about 5 minutes before removing it.
- Allow the tea to cool down until you can use it and it's no longer too hot. Once cool, sip some of the tea, and use it to gargle in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat until the tea runs out.
- Repeat this method about 2-4 times every day.
Step 4. Try oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient remedy that uses essential oils to remove toxins from the mouth. Oil pulling can also whiten teeth, prevent dry mouth, and restore mineral content in teeth. Regular oil pulling can help remove white patches on your teeth while strengthening your teeth and gums. Oil pulling is best done in the morning after waking up, although you can also do it again at night to speed up the results.
- Pour about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of organic coconut or sesame oil and put it in your mouth.
- For starters, use the oil to gargle all over the inside of your mouth for about 1-2 minutes. Once you get used to it, increase the gargling time to 20 minutes if you can.
- After gargling with the oil for the allotted time, discard it, and rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Continue oil pulling by brushing your teeth with mineral-rich toothpaste or powder.
Step 5. Apply lemon juice to the teeth
Some of the ingredients in over-the-counter products can cause tooth decay and make white patches worse. This is caused by the content of bleaching agents and other chemicals that can thin, discolor and weaken tooth enamel. Since white patches are a sign of damage to tooth enamel, trying to treat the stains but making the damage worse is pointless.
Try dipping a cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and then rubbing it on your teeth. Fresh lemon juice is a natural whitening agent, so it is safe to whiten teeth and fade white spots naturally
Method 2 of 3: Visiting the Dentist
Step 1. Whiten your teeth with the help of a dentist
Your dentist can check for white patches on your teeth and determine if whitening your teeth is helpful and safe for your current state of enamel. Dentists can also coat the enamel with fluoride or provide other enamel treatments after teeth have been whitened. This treatment will help strengthen your teeth.
Step 2. Ask about air abrasion techniques
One of the ways that dentists commonly use to remove white patches on teeth is to gently exfoliate the spots using an abrasive material. This method works best on small patches, as using too much abrasive will thin the enamel.
This procedure is performed using a special device that blows crystal particles directly onto the calcium deposits. These abrasive particles will gently remove the calcium deposits. The spots are then filled with a material to cover the former calcium deposits and coat the tooth enamel
Step 3. Consider chemical microabrasion
Just like air abrasion, the purpose of chemical microabrasion is to remove white patches by removing the calcium deposits that cause them. This method is suitable for small to medium-sized spots only, as applying more abrasive chemicals will only exacerbate tooth decay.
During this procedure, the dentist will apply an acidic chemical that can exfoliate the calcium deposits on the teeth. This acidic chemical is only applied directly over the white patches to prevent extensive damage to the enamel. Then, after the spot has peeled off, the doctor will coat the tooth enamel to protect it from further damage
Step 4. Have the spots removed with the Resin Infiltration System
During this procedure, the dentist will use a special resin gel to open the pores of the affected tooth. After the resin enters and is absorbed into all the spots on the tooth, the doctor will shine a special light on it. After about 15-20 minutes, the spots should blend into the tooth enamel. This action can also prevent enamel-destroying acids from entering the teeth and protect the teeth from further damage.
Step 5. Get mineral restoration therapy
This therapy is similar to the use of mineral-rich ingredients above, but contains active ingredients that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription. This treatment gives faster results than at-home treatments, as it uses prescription-only pastes and powders to include high levels of minerals that can treat the micro cavities that cause white patches on teeth.
- This product contains high levels of fluoride which can help treat white spots, while preventing the formation of caries and cavities in teeth.
- Some of the product choices include powder, chewing gum, and phosphopeptide casein (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) toothpaste.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Formation of White Spots
Step 1. Keep your teeth and mouth clean
Since white patches are a sign of enamel damage and the early stages of dental caries, preventing their formation can be done by brushing and flossing regularly. Improving your habit of cleaning your teeth and mouth will reduce the chances of tooth stains forming in the future. Some tips to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy include:
- Always brush your teeth in the morning, after eating, and before going to bed.
- Check the fluoride content in your toothpaste. You need enough fluoride to reduce acid and balance the pH of your mouth, but not too much to cause tooth decay. Try to find a toothpaste that contains 1,000-1,500 ppm of fluoride, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
- Floss every night. If you have trouble using regular floss, try using a pre-threaded floss instead.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months. Good care at home can prevent most problems, but a dentist can diagnose early signs of plaque buildup and other similar problems.
Step 2. Avoid foods and drinks that can damage teeth
Certain foods can damage tooth enamel, and make your mouth dry and acidic, making it easier for bacteria to grow there. This can damage tooth enamel as well as allow harmful bacteria to enter the pores of the teeth, absorb essential nutrients and minerals from the teeth, and cause white patches. Some tips for reducing the intake of such foods include:
- Avoid sugary drinks, especially carbonated drinks like soda. Also avoid sweets and products containing other artificial sweeteners.
- If you must sweeten something, look for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and use as little as possible.
- Be sure to brush your teeth immediately after eating foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates.
Step 3. Eat mineral rich foods to restore tooth minerals
In addition to undergoing mineral-rich treatments at home or at the dentist's clinic, another powerful way to prevent white patches is to eat foods rich in teeth-strengthening minerals.
- By eating foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, your body and teeth will absorb nutrients that can strengthen teeth and prevent staining.
- Look for foods rich in magnesium such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, soybeans, and avocados, as magnesium can help the body absorb and store more calcium.
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
Adequate fluid needs allow the body to function optimally while preventing the formation of white patches. When your mouth is dry, the lack of saliva disrupts the pH balance in your mouth and allows bacteria to grow and attack your teeth with their acidity.
Try to drink at least 8 glasses (250 ml) of water every day. Avoid using fruit juice, soda, or other drinks to keep your body hydrated. If you drink any of these fluids, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward
Step 5. Avoid tobacco and caffeine
The two most dangerous ingredients you can put in your mouth are tobacco and caffeine. The acidity of caffeine is very high and can damage tooth enamel, so bacteria can enter the pores of the teeth and cause white spots and other damage. Smoking and chewing tobacco gum can increase the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can promote decay and the formation of white patches on the teeth.
