Is decalcification common?

Dental Advice (decalcification/bruxism/care)…

• I wore braces from age 13 - 15. They were removed because I didn't take the time to clean around them. I won't make excuses; I was young and naive. To make a long story short, I'm 19 now and I have visible decalcification around all my teeth - basically in places that braces weren't. The level of decalcification is similar to this photo: http://www.staggersorthodontics.com/images/Decal.JPG In fact, that actually looks VERY similar to my mouth. Additionally, I've had bruxism caused by stress and/or antidepressants. As a result, my occlusal surfaces are fairly worn. (If dental professionals are reading, mine is centric bruxism, and has had minimal effects on my gums and TMJ, and I'm wearing the hardest maxillary mouthguard my dentist provide, after wearing thru a thermoplastic in 2 months). I've got a minor overbite (4 mm overlap) and a more significant overjet (7 mm). What problems might arise in my future? Also, is it bad to drink sugar-free Coke after brushing my teeth?

• Answer:

  With the decalcification as long as you are now looking after your teeth it should cause you no further problems, please do not let any one convince you to have these areas drilled and filled as in the long run this is not a good idea. At this point i have to answer your question about drinking coke after brushing your teeth!!! Any thing you have after brushing your teeth unless it is water will cause significant damage to your teeth, you must stop that habit. You should keep fizzy drinks even sugar free ones and things like fruit juice etc with meal times only. As for the bruxism it seems like your dentist is doing the right thing for that problem and as long as you continue wearing the mouth guard at night things shouldn't get much worst, you may develop some TMJ problems in the future but this will be much reduced by the use of a mouth guard. With regard to you orthodontic situation i think in view of your past with orthodontics and your ideas on acceptable diet (no offense i know you only mentioned coke after brushing teeth) i think best left well alone unless it is causing you some day to day problem. Qualified/ Registered Dental Nurse 10yrs+