You may have seen them before – those telltale white spots on the teeth. They’re called demineralization spots, and they appear when the tooth’s enamel begins to dissolve. Though demineralization spots are bad news, the good news is they are a very early stage of tooth decay, meaning there’s still time to correct them before it’s too late. Here’s what you should do if you see demineralization spots on your teeth.
White Spots – Now What?
Uh oh! You just noticed white spots on your teeth. Now what? First of all, don’t panic. Next, if you’re really concerned, make an appointment to see Dr. Abelar for what is known as a remineralization treatment. It sounds fancy and complicated, but believe it or not, it’s just the standard fluoride treatment most of us get at our dental exam. You can also help the natural remineralization process along by brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste, and increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin D.
Tooth Infinity, and Beyond
So, how can you prevent demineralization from happening in the first place? For starters, you should cut back on your sugar intake. Whether you drink sugary sodas, add sugar to your coffee, or eat a diet high in sugar or desserts, when you eat a high-sugar diet you are increasing your risk of cavities and demineralization. Other foods and beverages to avoid include alcohol, citrus or anything acidic as that will further erode enamel.
If you believe you have demineralization spots and would like to be evaluated by Dr. Abelar, or if you need to schedule your next dental exam, please give the office a call at (858) 866-9692.
