Decalcified Teeth — Why You Can't Ignore It

Dental decalcification — what is it?

Dental decalcification is the process by which the enamel — the hard, outer layer of the tooth — loses calcium and other minerals necessary to keep it in good condition. When enamel loses minerals, it becomes weaker and more susceptible to damage such as caries, tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion.

Dental decalcification is often caused by poor eating habits and improper oral hygiene, but it can also be the result of certain diseases and the use of medications. Most often it affects children and adolescents, since their teeth are not yet fully formed and they need the right amount of minerals to maintain health.

Symptoms of decalcification can include white or cream spots on the enamel, increased sensitivity to cold, heat and sweets, as well as easy bleeding of the gums. If decalcification is ignored, it can lead to more serious problems, requiring more advanced treatment, such as fillings, crowns or even tooth extraction.

Causes of tooth decalcification

The causes of enamel decalcification can be diverse, here are the most common of them:

• Inadequate diet — excess of acidic or sweet products, lack of calcium and other minerals, excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and sweet juices.
• Poor oral hygiene — incorrect brushing, failure to use dental floss, irregular visits to the dentist.
• Excessive use of teeth whiteners — especially with the wrong methods and frequent procedures.
• Diseases of the digestive system — gastric reflux, Crohn's disease affect the acidic pH in the mouth.
• The use of certain drugs Antihistamines, analgesics, antibiotics can change the chemical composition of saliva.

Decalcification is a gradual process that can take many years before visible symptoms appear.

How to recognize decalcification of tooth enamel?

Early diagnosis is crucial. Symptoms of decalcification are:

• White spots on the teeth — especially on the front teeth, visible after brushing.
• Sensitivity to heat and cold — discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold drinks and foods.
• Tooth discoloration — yellow, brown or gray spots, especially on the edges of the teeth.
• Increased susceptibility to caries — teeth become more sensitive to the effects of acids.
• Changing the texture of the teeth — matte or rough surfaces.

If you notice these symptoms, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible.

Decalcification of teeth in children

Enamel decalcification is especially common in children whose teeth are still developing. It is often caused by excessive consumption of sweet and sour foods, calcium deficiency and improper oral hygiene.

Symptoms in children include white spots, hypersensitivity, easy bleeding gums. Children who drink a lot of milk from a bottle before going to bed are especially at risk because milk contains milk sugar that promotes caries.

Prevention consists of ensuring an adequate diet rich in calcium and minerals, healthy eating habits and regular oral hygiene and visits to the dentist every six months.

In case of decalcification, the dentist may recommend special pastes with calcium and fluoride and fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel.

Decalcification of teeth after braces

Enamel decalcification often occurs after the braces are removed, as the appliance makes hygiene difficult and can damage the enamel.

After the end of orthodontic treatment, it is worth consulting with a dentist who will recommend pastes with calcium and fluoride and fluoride preparations (gels, lotions) to strengthen enamel.

Treatment of enamel decalcification

In children

• Change in eating habits and oral hygiene.
• The use of pastes with calcium and fluorine.
• Fluoride treatment — fluoride varnish, gels, lotions.
• In advanced cases — dental treatment, e.g. fillings, prosthetic inserts.

In adults

• A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, avoiding sweets and carbonated drinks.
• Regular brushing of teeth and flossing, use of fluoride paste.
• Application of fluoride varnishes in the office.
• Fillings, crowns or root canal treatment in advanced cases.

Treatment should be carried out by an experienced dentist.

What toothpaste to decalcify teeth?

The best are pastes containing fluorine, calcium, phosphorus and hydroxyapatite, which help restore enamel and increase its resistance to acids.

However, the paste is only part of prevention — proper hygiene and avoidance of acidic and sweet products are also important.

Is tooth decalcification reversible?

The early stages of decalcification are reversible due to a change in diet, improved hygiene and the use of fluoride preparations. However, if the process progresses and cavities are formed, dental treatment is necessary.

Diet for enamel decalcification

The diet should include:

• Calcium — dairy, nuts, tofu, spinach, broccoli.
• Vitamin D — fatty fish, liver, eggs, milk.
• Phosphorus — meat, fish, nuts, eggs.
• Vitamin K — spinach, kale, broccoli.
• Vitamins C and E — fruits, vegetables, nuts.

It is necessary to limit the consumption of acidic and sugary products, such as carbonated drinks, sweets, fruit juices and citrus.

Is it possible to whiten decalcified enamel?

Whitening decalcified enamel is more difficult and can worsen the condition of the teeth. Whitening preparations contain potent chemicals that can damage already weakened enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of damage.

Always consult whitening with your dentist, especially if you have decalcified enamel.

Fluorosis and decalcification

Fluorosis is a disease resulting from excessive consumption of fluoride, causing the formation of whitish or brown spots on the teeth. Decalcification, on the other hand, is the loss of minerals and the weakening of the enamel. Both conditions may look similar, but have different causes and require a different approach.