As a parent, you’re always keeping an eye on your child’s health—and that includes their smile. So, it’s completely normal to feel concerned if you suddenly notice white spots showing up on your child’s teeth. What are they? Are they permanent? Should you be worried?
White spots on teeth are actually pretty common in kids, and while they’re not always a sign of something serious, they can sometimes indicate issues that need attention. Let’s break down what causes these spots, what they mean, and what you can do about them.
What Are White Spots on Teeth?
White spots are small areas of discoloration that are lighter than the rest of the tooth. They can show up on baby teeth or permanent teeth and often look chalky or matte. While they might not cause pain, they can affect the way your child feels about their smile, especially as they get older.
Common Causes of White Spots
1. Early Tooth Decay (Demineralization)
One of the most common reasons for white spots is early tooth decay, specifically a process called demineralization. This happens when acids from plaque and bacteria wear down the enamel—the hard outer layer of the tooth. The result? Soft, white, chalky spots that are often the first sign of a cavity forming.
You’ll usually see these near the gum line or around brackets if your child has braces. They might not hurt yet, but they’re a big red flag that dental hygiene needs a boost.
2. Fluorosis
Fluorosis happens when your child gets too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing (usually under the age of 8). Fluoride is great for preventing cavities, but too much of it can cause white streaks or blotchy spots on permanent teeth.
This can occur if your child is swallowing toothpaste instead of spitting it out, drinking fluoridated water, and also taking fluoride supplements. The good news is that fluorosis is generally a cosmetic issue and doesn’t affect the health of the tooth.
3. Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a condition where the tooth enamel doesn’t form properly. This can happen because of genetics, poor nutrition during pregnancy, high fever in infancy, or even premature birth.
In addition to white spots, teeth with hypoplasia may look grooved or have pits. These teeth are usually more sensitive and prone to cavities, so it’s important to get them checked out by a pediatric dentist.
4. Plaque Buildup and Poor Oral Hygiene
Kids sometimes struggle with brushing well, especially in those hard-to-reach spots. Plaque that sits on the teeth for too long can lead to discoloration and white spots. This is especially true for children with braces since cleaning around brackets takes extra care and effort.
5. Diet and Nutrition
A diet that’s high in sugar and acid (think juice boxes, soda, candy) can wear down enamel over time. And if your child isn’t getting enough calcium, vitamin D, or other nutrients, that can also affect how their teeth develop and how strong the enamel is.
Are the White Spots Permanent?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the white spots are caused by plaque or early decay, and you catch them early enough, improving your child’s oral hygiene routine can actually help reverse the damage. In other cases—like with fluorosis or hypoplasia—the white spots are permanent but can be treated or improved with help from your pediatric dentist.
How Can You Prevent White Spots?
Here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to prevent or minimize white spots on your child’s teeth.
- Brush and floss daily – Make sure your child is brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (just a pea-sized amount!) and flossing once a day. Supervise brushing if your child is under 7.
- Use fluoride wisely – Fluoride is important, but it should be used in the right amount. Talk to your pediatric dentist about how much fluoride your child really needs.
- Regular dental checkups – Seeing a pediatric dentist every six months can help catch early signs of trouble before they become bigger problems.
- Balanced diet – Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and make sure your child is getting plenty of tooth-friendly nutrients.
How Do You Treat White Spots?
If the white spots are already there, don’t worry—there are options to improve the look and health of your child’s teeth. Treatments will depend on the cause, but may include:
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel
- MI Paste or remineralizing gels
- Microabrasion, which gently removes a thin layer of enamel
- Tooth-colored fillings or bonding for deeper spots
- Whitening treatments (for older kids and teens) to even out the tooth color
Your pediatric dentist can evaluate your child’s teeth and recommend the best course of action.
When to Talk to an Aurora Orthodontist
In some cases, white spots can also be related to alignment issues or make braces care more complicated. If your child already has braces—or is about to get them—it’s a good idea to have both their dentist and an Aurora orthodontist involved in the conversation. Working together, they can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and spot-free during orthodontic treatment.
Concerned About White Spots? EPIC Dentistry for Kids Is Here to Help!
At EPIC Dentistry for Kids in Aurora, CO, we know that every child’s smile is unique—and we’re here to help you keep it healthy and bright. If you’ve noticed white spots on your child’s teeth or just want to make sure their oral health is on track, our friendly team is ready to help.
We offer gentle, kid-focused care in a fun environment, and we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your child’s needs.
