Have you noticed white spots forming on the surface of your teeth? You may find that brushing your teeth will not make this discoloration go away. This is because a dental problem related to calcium depletion in the tooth enamel is causing this cosmetic concern.
While you may recognize its disruption in the appearance of your smile, the problem also puts your oral health at risk. Call your dentist if this sounds familiar and do not ignore this dental symptom. Read on to learn about how calcium loss in tooth enamel impacts the look and health of your smile.
Defining Hypocalcification
The term for a decline in calcium in the enamel of the teeth is hypocalcification. Calcium is a major component of tooth enamel, so its loss is significant to your dental structure and health. It indicates a weakening of the teeth that could put your smile at risk of many dental dangers, including cavities.
The white spots that you may notice reveal areas where enamel has thinned. Enamel cannot regrow and will require dental work to treat. So if you hope to restore the appearance and health of your smile, you will need help from your dentist.
Eliminating Stubborn White Spots from Teeth
To treat the calcium deficiency in your teeth, your dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment. They can complete this during a routine dental check-up. You might also benefit from using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride at home.
Fluoride absorbs into tooth enamel to strengthen it. This can counteract any weakening that has occurred when calcium deteriorated. Your dentist can provide other tips to keep your teeth strong as well.
To address the chalky white spots on your teeth directly, you will likely need cosmetic dental work. A dentist can use dental bonding on your teeth to even out the color of your smile. They will sculpt the tooth-colored resin to the teeth according to your unique aesthetic goals to get you a gorgeous and natural-looking finish.
Preventing Calcium Loss in Your Smile
Some dentists have a medical or genetic disposition that makes them more likely to suffer from hypocalcification in their teeth. In these cases, they can work with their dentist to find preventative care to preserve the health and look of their smiles.
However, you can limit the acidic and sugary foods and drinks you consume in order to protect your teeth and the calcium in your enamel. These items can eat away at your enamel, weakening it and forming white spots.
You can also practice diligent oral hygiene to remove plaque and other harmful residues before they can hurt your teeth. This means you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings.
You may want to consider rinsing with mouthwash and other hygienic additives to boost your regimen. These efforts can protect your smile and reduce your time in the dentist’s chair for restorative and cosmetic dental work.