You smile in the mirror and notice them — white spots on your teeth. They are not painful, but they are noticeable. Are they harmful? And can you get rid of them?

White spots are more than a cosmetic issue. They are usually a sign that something happened beneath the surface of your tooth enamel.

The most common cause is fluorosis. This happens when too much fluoride is ingested while teeth are still developing (usually in childhood). The fluoride disrupts the normal mineralisation of the enamel, leaving white patches.

Another common cause is enamel hypoplasia. This is a condition where the enamel does not form properly, leaving thin or weak areas that appear chalky white. It can result from childhood illness, nutritional deficiencies, or trauma to the developing teeth.

White spots can also appear after orthodontic treatment (braces), when plaque builds up around brackets and causes decalcification.

White spots themselves are not dangerous. But the underlying condition that caused them might make your teeth more prone to decay. Enamel that did not form properly is often weaker and more susceptible to cavities.

If you have white spots, it is worth seeing your dentist to understand what caused them and whether your teeth need extra protection.

Treatment depends on how severe they are. For mild cases, professional teeth whitening can even out the colour. For more noticeable spots, treatments include:

• Micro-abrasion — a minimally invasive technique that removes a thin layer of enamel to reduce the appearance of white spots.
• Composite resin — a tooth-coloured filling material applied over the spots to mask them.
• Veneers — thin porcelain shells placed over the front of teeth for a complete transformation.
• ICon infiltration — a relatively new treatment where a resin is infused into the enamel to blend the white spot with the surrounding tooth.

Book a consultation with your dentist to find out which option is right for you.