Enamel Demineralization
Type: Symptom
Definition
The visible loss of mineral content from the tooth surface, presenting as opaque white spots.
Clinical Details
Before an actual physical cavity forms, the lack of fluoride allows significant structural minerals to leach out of the enamel lattice. This changes the optical properties of the tooth, causing early lesions to appear as chalky, dull white spots on the otherwise shiny tooth surface. This is the earliest visual indicator of failing enamel integrity.