Your teeth have a high-pressure job as they bite and chew food consistently throughout the day. They withstand this wear and tear thanks to their durable composition. Teeth have a hard outer layer called enamel that is made primarily of minerals like calcium.
Despite their strength, the teeth can weaken over time due to a process called demineralization. A number of factors can erode the minerals in your smile, making them vulnerable to tooth decay and other dental issues.
However, while enamel cannot heal itself, you can restore strength to your teeth through remineralization. When you know more about this type of preventive dental care, you can protect your oral health. Check out responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions about remineralization for your teeth when you read on.
What Causes the Demineralization of Tooth Enamel?
Two major factors can contribute to the demineralization of your enamel. One is the consumption of acidic substances. Acids found in certain citrusy or sugary foods and beverages can linger on your teeth and eat away at your dental structure.
Plaque, a sticky film made from the natural bacteria in your mouth, will cling to your teeth throughout the day. The excess bacteria will also erode the enamel and weaken the teeth.
How Does My Diet Affect Dental Structure?
As mentioned, acidic foods and beverages, like fruit juices, soda, or coffee, can hurt your dental structure. Sugary and starchy foods become acidic when they react with saliva, so including these items in your diet can also lead to demineralization.
But certain foods and drinks can also strengthen your dental structure. Because teeth are made of calcium, you can help the remineralization process by eating calcium-rich foods. Examples include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and almonds.
What Role Does Saliva Play in Dental Mineralization?
Your mouth produces a constant flow of saliva to aid in the digestion process. But the moist environment that saliva creates also protects your oral health. When you produce plenty of saliva, your mouth naturally rinses harmful food particles and plaque from your teeth.
This prevents erosion that would otherwise weaken your smile. So stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth. To address an acutely dry oral environment, drink a glass of water.
How Can I Strengthen My Teeth Through Remineralization?
Maintaining a healthy diet and oral habits, like good oral hygiene, will keep your mouth clean. Removing harmful residues from the teeth in a timely fashion will prevent demineralization. But in the wake of the weakened dental structure, you can also discuss remineralization with your dentist.
You can try some over-the-counter products, like mouthwash or toothpaste that contains fluoride, to complete at-home dental remineralization. Fluoride absorbs into the teeth to fortify them and reinforce the shielding ability of enamel.
Your dentist can also offer fluoride treatment at their office. They apply concentrated fluoride to the teeth to build strength in a targeted effort to remineralize them. Learn more about preventive oral healthcare when you call your dentist’s office.