Patients may be confused by the appearance of white spots on their teeth. Do they mean something good or bad about the state of their mouths? At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we want patients to understand when their oral health is in danger, so this week’s blog post is about incipient lesions, also known as white spot lesions.
White spots are the earliest signs of tooth decay. When enamel, the hard substance that makes up the outside of teeth, is eroded, it looks white and chalky. Dentists know that if a person has glazed-looking upper back teeth, it is a sign that they are suffering from chronic acid reflux. Elsewhere in the mouth, acid exposure is probably being caused by bacterial infections. As bacteria eat, they produce acid, which gets stuck in plaque. Damage to enamel is the result.
A white spot can form in as few as thirty days, and if they’re not taken care of, they will lead to more decay. Better brushing can remove a developing infection. Some places to pay especially close attention to are the gum line, the sides of teeth, and the area surrounding orthodontic brackets. Once decay is stopped, the teeth may remineralize naturally or can be treated with veneers.
Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.
No comments:
Post a Comment