Can decalcification of teeth be reversed?
Last week we discussed how prolonged contact with acidic bacterial plaque can lead to decalcification, or demineralization, of teeth. Decalcification is one of the reasons for white spots (lesions) on teeth. Fortunately, decalcification can be reversed.
What causes decalcification on baby teeth?
There are several causes of decalcification: improper brushing habits that result in plaque building up on teeth and consuming drink and foods that have sugars and acids, such as sodas, juice, tea and even milk. Dry mouth can cause areas of decalcification. Without saliva, a fry mouth remains acidic.
How can I Remineralize my child’s teeth?
Demineralization and remineralization are interrelated and in constant flux.
- Brush your teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut out sugar.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- Consume fruit and fruit juices in moderation.
- Get more calcium and vitamins.
- Decrease dairy product consumption.
- Consider probiotics.
How do you restore decaying teeth?
Treatment options include:
- Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages.
- Fillings.
- Crowns.
- Root canals.
- Tooth extractions.
What causes decalcification on teeth?
Decalcification occurs when calcium and phosphorous minerals are removed from the tooth surface. These minerals are a normal part of your tooth’s composition but can be depleted or lost due to plaque accumulation.
Do calcium spots on teeth go away?
This condition is usually harmless and develops before teeth break through the gums. Calcium deposits, on the other hand, develop in adulthood.
Will the white spots on my child’s teeth go away?
These white spots are caused by dehydration of the enamel surface of your teeth. Once saliva hits the teeth they will rehydrate and the white spots will disappear.
How can I restore the enamel on My Kids teeth?
For “normal” enamel erosion, the best way forward is helping your kid develop good oral health habits such as brushing at least two times a day (use a soft-bristled toothbrush!), limiting sugary snacks and drinks (and brush after eating or drinking them), and keeping up with consistent dental checkups.
Can you reverse enamel decay?
Decayed Enamel Can’t be “Re-Grown” But as of yet, it’s physically impossible. Once a tooth has a physical cavity (opening or hole) inside of it, there is no feasible way to help the enamel grow back on your own. Instead, the cavity will gradually worsen, due to the bacterial infection inside of the tooth structure.
What should you do if your teeth have decalcification?
This procedure is mostly recommended for patients that have so many decalcified teeth spots that have turned into a cavity. Patients who have enamel decalcification may benefit from topical fluoride applied by a dentist.
How is fluoride used to treat decalcified teeth?
Fluoride hardens teeth and forms a protective layer over the calcium and phosphate. This higher level of protection is needed to help restore weakened or decalcified lesions. It also helps prevent these lesions from going to the next stage and becoming dental cavities.
What to do about decalcification after braces?
Afterward, you’ll have to undergo teeth bleaching to create a uniformity of color in your teeth. I have seen amazing results with enamel microbrasion in people that have decalcifcation after braces. Another method of reducing orthodontic decalcification is teeth whitening or bleaching.
How can you reverse the process of tooth decay?
Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.