Friday 22 November 2019

Things to Know About Tooth Re-Mineralization


Outer layer of the teeth is known as enamel which consists of a mineral structure. This structure is what makes tooth enamel the hardest material of the body. Here, you might find it hard to imagine that some of the minerals are lost from the inside of enamel crystals. However, good news is that these lost minerals are replaced with the help of a molecular process which is known as tooth re-mineralization.


What is demineralization?
According to a study published by International Journal of Nanomedicine (IJN), tooth enamel contains hydroxyapatite which is a combination of calcium, phosphate and hydroxide. The process through which these minerals are lost is known as demineralization. Demineralization happens when bacteria living in the mouth release acids after they consume sugars in your mouth. That acid can dissolve the minerals.

This is the reason that you need to avoid the intake of acidic foods and beverages. If you have a habit of consuming soda and sport drinks, you are going to have to limit this consumption to avoid any harmful impact on your teeth.

Tooth re-mineralization
Tooth re-mineralization is the process of reversal of demineralization. But one thing that needs to be kept into consideration about re-mineralization is that this process tends to reverse demineralization at very early stage. In this scenario, your saliva is the major player that protects and repairs your tooth enamel. Since your saliva washes away leftover food particles, it also neutralizes acidity in the mouth.

Another way saliva helps in re-mineralization is that it contains many minerals. There is a continued process of exchange of calcium and phosphorus ions between saliva and tooth enamel. This way, the teeth are repaired. Saliva also contains fluoride ions that prevent demineralization and boost the process of re-mineralization.


How to boost the process of re-mineralization
The combination of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions make the tooth enamel stronger and resilient. This is the reason that dentists all around the world recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste. You can consider getting fluoride through topical treatments which you can get at dental offices as well as at home.
Many of the dental filling materials contain amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). It is a material that helps in the restoration of tooth enamel by releasing calcium and phosphate ions.

Steps you need to take at home
Besides flossing and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, you are going to have to consider adapting to some lifestyle changes if you want your teeth to remain stronger for the bigger portion of your life. Those steps involve the following.

  • Put a limit on the consumption of sweets.
  • Make sure that you are getting a healthy diet consisting of fruits, proteins and vegetables.
  • Consider increasing the amount of cheese in your daily diet.
  • Limit snacking between the meals.
  • Choose the foods which are rich in vitamin C and phosphorus.

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