As experts in general and cosmetic dentistry, we at Bayberry Dental Care don’t want our patients to get surprised by tooth decay. Many people might suspect there’s something odd about the chalky white spots that sometimes show up on their teeth. But they may not have known that those white spots are also called incipient lesions because they are the beginnings of dental infections.
Tooth decay is the result of acid produced by bacteria. Where there is a lot of food debris, bacteria feed and multiply. This results in more acid getting trapped in gum pockets and in plaque, the sticky covering of the teeth. As acid erodes the minerals in enamel, the enamel will take on a bright, glazed appearance. A similar effect occurs in people who have acid reflux, but it is usually limited to the upper back teeth. Decay from infections is likelier to occur around orthodontic brackets, near the gum line, and on the sides of the teeth.
It only takes about thirty days for a white spot to form, so patients should take them as a sign they need to improve their brushing. If they are unsure what to do, our hygienists can provide assistance. We can also determine whether an infection has been killed and whether it is appropriate to cover a white spot with a veneer.
Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.
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