Dental decalcification, a very common pathology, is the loss of calcium in the teeth and a softening of the bone tissue in the mouth.
This weakening of the bones and hard tissues is caused by a deficiency of minerals: phosphorus and calcium, and if left untreated, it can negatively affect nerve and muscle activity.
It usually appears at an early age due to the ingestion of foods with a high percentage of sugar or very acidic foods.
It can be quickly identified by the appearance of a white or yellowish stain on the surface of the teeth, commonly known as tartar or plaque. You should keep a close eye on these symptoms as it can lead to tooth decay.
How do I know if I have a lack of calcium in my teeth?
There are several factors that can be a clear sign of calcium deficiency in your mouth and, you should know that many of them can appear in other parts of the body when it comes to a more serious loss of calcium, and can even be signs of hypocalcaemia or, in the worst cases, osteoporosis.
The main symptoms of decalcification in the teeth appear in the enamel and are usually white, yellowish or slightly brownish rough surface stains. Another characteristic of decalcification is the loss of tooth hardness.
The lack of calcium can seriously affect other parts of the body, and it is common, along with symptoms related to the oral cavity, to manifest signs of insensitivity or clumsiness in the mouth, hands and feet, sensitive nails, back pain and others.
If you feel that a part of your tooth is stained a different colour, we at Nart Dental Clinic advise you to see your dentist, as, in the long term, if you suffer from these stains, you are more likely to lose the tooth in question.
6 reasons why you suffer from dental decalcification
The causes of decalcification in your mouth can be due to many reasons but we are going to summarise them in 6:
- Continuous consumption of sugary drinks and foods such as fruit juices.
- Very acidic food, the acid in food can be very harmful as it increases the oral acid in our mouth, and this weakens the teeth due to the loss of minerals, especially phosphate and calcium.
- The appearance of bacterial plaque, which is caused by a lack of dental hygiene, and correcting it is as simple as changing brushing habits.
- Another reason may be having worn braces. Sometimes, when you finish your treatment and the braces are removed, white spots appear.
- People suffering from acid reflux.
- Nutritional deficiency.
Saliva is a protective element against the causes of dental decalcification, so if you have a good dental hygiene habit, it may have an easy solution.
Can a lack of calcium in the teeth be treated?
The dental plaque and tartar that causes decalcification can be easily removed with a dental cleaning. But if you want to prevent new signs of decalcification from appearing, you must work to prevent future calcium loss. To do this, we recommend a series of changes in your routine that will help you to strengthen your teeth:
- Eat a diet high in calcium.
- Take vitamin D, this will help you absorb calcium better.
- Create a good oral hygiene routine.
- Have regular check-ups with your dentist to prevent future complications.
Remember that this is a guideline article, for more information we strongly recommend that you consult your dentist to solve any doubts you may have. At Nart Dental Clinic we will be happy to help you.
