Decalcification is the process of calcium erosion or removal from teeth and bones, which can occur due to natural wear and tear, a calcium deficient diet, or plaque buildup. It can lead to weakened teeth and bones, osteoporosis, and other related ailments. Preventative measures include fluoride treatment, oral hygiene, and a calcium-rich diet. Histologists intentionally decalcify bone tissue to study it under a microscope.
Decalcification is the process by which calcium is eroded or removed from teeth and bones. This process often occurs among the elderly, due to natural wear and tear, but can occur in any age group with a calcium deficient diet. It is also used by medical experts as a means of softening bone tissue to make it easier to cut.
In dentistry, preventing tooth decalcification is a key component of maintaining oral health. Decalcified teeth occur due to plaque buildup. As plaque eats away at tooth enamel, calcium is removed, weakening the hard structure of the tooth and making it more susceptible to decay. Ideally, the dentist and patient work together to prevent this from happening: the dentist by providing the teeth with enamel-strengthening products such as fluoride during routine visits and the patient by practicing proven oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing .
In bones, decalcification poses several dangers. As calcium is depleted from the structure, bones become weaker and more flexible. As a natural side effect of the aging process, the elderly are particularly susceptible to this condition. This happens because calcium levels naturally decrease over time and physical activity decreases. This can lead to osteoporosis and other related ailments and is a common suspect in bone fracture accidents among older populations.
However, this problem doesn’t just affect the elderly. Research has shown that women are much more susceptible than men to depleted calcium levels, even well before old age sets in. Many dietitians and other medical professionals recommend that women take supplements to ensure they are getting the right amount of calcium.
Growing children can also have problems with bone decalcification, especially in poor regions. Developing bones need plenty of calcium to stay healthy. While affluent kids are less likely to face this problem, it’s still important to remain vigilant about a healthy calcium diet.
Although a common affliction, calcium erosion is thankfully easy to avoid. Getting enough calcium in your diet can often be as simple as remembering to brush your teeth regularly. Dairy products, such as milk, are known to be rich in calcium, but there are many other foods rich in this mineral as well. For example, many fruits, vegetables and nuts contain plenty of calcium to support a healthy diet.
Bone decalcification is sometimes done intentionally by scientists called histologists. Histologists study bones and other tissues under a microscope to learn more about the human body. Researchers often decalcify bone by soaking it in acid. Over time, the acid removes the calcium, making it easier for scientists to cut through the bone.
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