Decalcification
Pronunciation: dee-kal-suh-fih-KAY-shun
The demineralisation of enamel caused by prolonged acid exposure, often seen around orthodontic brackets as white spot lesions in patients with poor oral hygiene.
Full Definition
Decalcification in orthodontic practice refers to the subsurface dissolution of enamel mineral by bacterial acids that accumulate around bracket bases or under aligner edges when oral hygiene is inadequate. Clinically it presents as chalky white opacities (white spot lesions) and represents an iatrogenic risk of orthodontic treatment. Editors encounter the term in consent documents, risk-benefit summaries, and clinical audit reports. 'Decalcification' and 'demineralisation' are used interchangeably in the literature; editors should follow house style or the author's preference consistently. 'Caries' is a related but distinct term and should not be substituted.
Usage
Usage note: Choose either 'decalcification' or 'demineralisation' and apply consistently within a document. Do not substitute 'caries'.
In Context
- "Patients are warned at the outset that decalcification may occur if tooth-brushing around the brackets is inadequate." — Orthodontic consent form
- "The audit report used 'decalcification' and 'demineralisation' interchangeably; the editor standardized to 'demineralisation' per journal style." — Clinical audit editorial review