All You Need To Know About Teeth Remineralization
At any given time, there are always bacteria residing in your mouth. And bacteria can potentially damage your pearly whites. Thankfully, your body has a natural response to help fix this particular issue, through a biological process referred to as remineralization.
Just as the name implies, tooth remineralization is a natural process that involves your body drawing phosphate as well as calcium minerals from your saliva and depositing them in your tooth enamel. In case you didn’t know, the enamel is the hardest, protective layer of your teeth.
Usually, your teeth lose vital minerals through a process known as demineralization. This takes place when you drink and eat any food throughout the day.
But through the process of remineralization, your teeth are able to replace some of the minerals you lose, ensuring you can have healthy and super strong teeth that can fend off infections and diseases. These minerals function holistically to form a compound referred to as hydroxyapatite. This is an important compound that is a building block of your teeth and offers them the much-needed strength.
If your teeth suffer more demineralization compared to remineralization, then the chances are high that you will suffer from tooth cavities. A cavity is simply a permanent hole that forms inside your enamel and has to be filled by a dentist.
So, what are the potential causes of tooth demineralization?
As earlier explained, this is a natural process. And it will only become an issue when your system is unable to replace what you are losing. Numerous potential factors impact demineralization, ranging from saliva, and mouth acid to bacteria.
When it comes to bacteria, your mouth features lots of them. And while some are useful, others may cause tooth disease. They persistently create a sticky film on your teeth known as plaque, which bacteria constantly feed on, resulting in the formation of acids. And these acids gradually break down the minerals as well as your teeth’s enamel.
Having excess sugary, starchy food and drinks makes bacteria grow, resulting in tooth demineralization. Failing to regularly brush your teeth can easily result in more bacteria buildup, and ultimately tooth disease.
Having fewer amounts of saliva in your mouth can also be a contributing factor. Saliva naturally serves as a mouthwash, effectively neutralizing acid and cleaning your pearly whites. What’s more, it contains mineral ions essential for rebuilding your enamel.
If you lack sufficient saliva to remove acid and remineralize your teeth, you are at risk of suffering tooth decay. Some drugs and health conditions that trigger dry mouth can also result in both demineralization and tooth decay.
Mouth acid is another factor. Bearing in mind that acid triggers enamel breakdown and demineralization, consuming acidic fruits and drinking sodas, fizzy drinks, fruit juices as well as coffee can all result in potential problems. Several medical conditions can also potentially alter acid levels in your mouth, causing problems. These conditions include bulimia, snoring, mouth breathing, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition characterized by stomach acid flushing up into your throat.
So, how long does teeth remineralization take?
It is worth noting that your teeth can remineralize if you make an alteration to your routine habits as well as diet. And even though the mineralization process occurs throughout the day, it requires time to repair your teeth. If you have a damaged tooth enamel, you’ll ultimately require dental work to fix the problem.
So, what are the common symptoms of tooth remineralization?
Common signs of tooth remineralization include smaller white spots, smoother teeth, reduced tooth sensitivity as well as healthier-looking teeth. To help curb any potential teeth condition, you should schedule regular dental appointments.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!