Everybody wants whiter teeth. But when white spots with a chalky character develop, they’re a warning sign of infection. We of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists don’t want our patients to let tooth decay take them by surprise, which is why this week we’re talking about white spot lesions.
Tooth decay is caused by an infection on the enamel. Bacteria produce acid, which sticks to tartar and plaque. When enamel is eroded by acid, it first takes on a glazed, white appearance as it loses minerals. (This can also be seen in people who suffer from acid reflux.) White spots don’t usually hurt, but if the infection is not stopped, it will create a cavity and remove the protection from the nerve in the tooth.
A white spot can form in as few as thirty days. They are particularly prone to appearing on the upper front teeth at the part where the crown meets the gum line and in the area surrounding orthodontic brackets. Although enamel cannot be regrown, it can be remineralized, so patients should not give up on fighting incipient lesions. We also offer Invisalign as an alternative to fixed braces at our office, which creates less of a risk for white spot development.
Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment