Do you sometimes see strange white patches on your teeth? Those are signs that enamel is being demineralized, and if something isn’t done, the white spots could turn into caries. We do a lot of patient education at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, and preventing tooth decay is one of our top priorities. This week’s blog post is devoted to the science behind white spot lesions and what you can do about them.
Enamel is mostly comprised of non-living minerals. As those minerals are removed, the enamel takes on a glazed, white appearance. This could be caused by acid reflux, and dentists will look for signs of it during a patient’s regular check-up. But more often, the acid is coming from bacteria. As oral bacteria metabolize food debris, they excrete acid, which gets stuck in plaque. Bacteria are likely to build up in places that are hard to brush, such as near the gum line, on the backs of the bottom incisors, and near orthodontic brackets.
White spots can turn into cavities in as little time as a month. They are likelier to occur when the body’s natural defenses are compromised, such as when a patient suffers from dry mouth or diabetes. The good news is that they can usually be treated with better brushing and flossing. Orthodontic patients will need to take care that they are using Christmas tree toothbrushes to remove food debris quickly after eating. If a white spot scars, we may be able to cover it with bonding.
Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment