Is <span title="demineralisation/decalcification">demineralisation/decalcif...</span> reversable?

Question

I have white patches forming on some of my bottom teeth near to the gums. It's not like a white spot on my tooth, it feels rough to touch it with my tongue and I'm assuming it's demineralisation (I admit I was a little careless brushing my teeth for a while whilst I had my braces - I still have braces now but I'm brushing alot better).

My question is, is it reversable or are all my teeth doomed and end up rotten? My dentist is well aware of what's going on as I've told him and he told me but he doesn't seem like he's going to do anything about it untill I get my braces off.

I brush after every meal and use mouthwash. Will I be able to stop the process and stop my teeth from rotting?

Answer 1

You are right, you do have demineralization. This is the earliest visible caries stage (cavity). If you maintain meticulous oral hygiene, good nutrition, and use a fluoride mouthrinse, cavities will not form. Be sure to check your mouthrinse for fluoride. Not all rinses have fluoride. Oral-B sells a fluoride rinse. In theory, these white spots will not go awa. However, there is a newer product that you can purchase at your dentist office called MI Paste. This product contains Recaldent which is like liquid calcium and phosphorus. It claims it can help get rid of the white spots due to demineralization. I am not sure if you can chew gum, but if you can I would suggest chewing Trident Xtra Care, which also contains Recaldent.

Also, I should warn you that Recaldent does contain a milk protein so if you have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, I would advise you not to use these products.

Here are some websites you can checkout:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recaldent

http://www.gcamerica.com/mipaste.html

http://www.tridentgum.com/textonly/index...