Health Benefits Center

Can white spots on teeth be reversed? Can they be prevented from turning into cavities?

I've had some white spots on my teeth (that my dentist has made me aware of) for about two weeks now. I have three small white spots, but one of them has become sensitive to anything cold or carbonated beverages. I'm due to have my braces off in a few months after having them for two years, and this is the first time I've had any problems. My dentist didn't jump to give me fillings, and wanted to wait on x-rays until I was out of braces. However, I was told by my orthodontist that to correct the problem, I will need to have some brackets temporarily removed so that my dentist can give me fillings.

I have been using MI paste provided by my dentist and have been rinsing my mouth out with fluoride-enhanced mouthwash in the hopes of trying to save my teeth and re-calcify them (I'm assuming that the one tooth that has become sensitive has lost its enamel; I don't remember if that's what the orthodontist said). But, at this point, my orthodontist and my dentist are planning to give me fillings in the coming weeks (eek).

Not really wanting to opt for fillings just yet, I've been doing some research on trying to fix the white spots, and am unsure as to why I need fillings if, by definition, they are not cavities yet. I am stepping up my brushing and cleaning habits, and I've started cutting a large amount of food and drink out of my diet, mainly sugars and carbonated beverages - things that are most likely to damage my teeth further. I've also gargled with hot salt-water about once a week in the hopes that it will pull bacteria away from the teeth and prevent further breakdown.

Is there anything I can do to try to save the teeth with white spots, preventing them from turning into cavities? Is there anything I can do to actually restore the enamel on my teeth?

I'm not afraid of getting a filling, as I've had one before, but I hate the idea of just giving up and letting the dentist grind down parts of my teeth and filling it with a synthetic paste. If there's anything I can do to avoid this (besides letting my teeth deteriorate, which I'm not to keen on), please let me know.