Can someone truly remineralize their teeth?
When we eat acidic foods or sugary snacks the acidity of the saliva in our mouth will increase. Even dry mouth can do damage to the enamel surrounding and protecting one’s teeth because the lack of saliva reduces your body’s ability to cleanse the acid ever-present in your mouth. Enamel is not a living organism in our body, so it does not grow back, but is all hope lost if you find you have sensitive teeth or if you start to form caries lesions (a breakdown in the tooth surface or visible hole on your tooth due to mineral loss)?
No. According to the American Dental Association, initial lesions found on your teeth are considered noncavitated and, with remineralization, are reversible.
What is demineralization of teeth?
Demineralization occurs when the enamel of our teeth is deteriorated in some way, often by an excess amount of acid buildup in our mouth. Our body is actually designed to fight demineralization of our teeth through the production of saliva, which constantly washes our teeth to prevent acid build up. This is important because acid buildup will harm the protective enamel surrounding a tooth, and the result is demineralization.
What is remineralization of teeth?
When teeth form a carriers lesion or a cavity, remineralization can at least partially fill them in. Calcium and phosphate particles rebuild and strengthen molecules where demineralization occurs. This process is called remineralization, and over time and proper care, it can strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Remineralization Therapies
Floride and Silver diamine fluoride
According to the publication Decisions In Dentistry, Fluoride in saliva in plaque is key to preventing tooth demineralization and enhancing remineralization. In fact, fluoride actually interferes with the acid-causing bacteria and promotes remineralization. As you likely already know, fluoride is the number one prevention of tooth decay, and this is much of the reason why.
Is fluoride safe?
Although there are a number of people who claim it is not true, yes fluoride is safe. The Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition (BOHMAC) states that research done over 65 years illustrated that fluoride is safe and very effective at preventing tooth decay in both adults and children. The American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as well as dozens of other groups, all concur with this conclusion.
Casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)
Also according to the publication Decisions In Dentistry, CPP-ACP has an effect on teeth through a material derived from the milk protein casein that increases calcium and phosphate absorption. This milk protein acts as a reservoir to coat these minerals onto the tooth surface. CPP-ACP also prevents bacterial attachment to the tooth, thus preventing dangerous plaque formation.
Essentially, CPP-ACP is a great opportunity to fill in those holes in your teeth that will likely be a gateway to bacteria and other harmful substances that will eventually cause cavities.
What products can one buy to promote tooth remineralization?
According to Healthline Media, some of the best remineralizing toothpastes include:
- 3M Clinpro 5000
- Sensodyne Pronamel
- Crest Pro-Health Advanced
These toothpastes will promote the absorption of minerals into your teeth to help sustain their health and repair damage over time.
Riverwalk Dental knows that patients armed with this knowledge can restore their teeth and prevent tooth decay for as long as possible. Avoid acidic foods when you can, brush twice a day, floss, and smile a healthy smile today and beyond!