Ways to Strengthen Teeth, Remineralization

The process of remineralization and demineralization is used to refer to the reincrease of lost minerals on the tooth surface. Remineralization is defined as remineralization; Demineralization is defined as mineral loss.

Minerals such as calcium and phosphate are extremely beneficial for teeth. Together with bone and dentin, they help form tooth enamel. They also prevent tooth decay.

As we age, we lose minerals in our teeth. This can be caused by our eating habits, our body’s acid-base balance and eating sugary and acidic foods. It also happens when bacteria build up in our mouths. Once the enamel or bone is gone, there is no way to get them back without completely replacing the tooth. When a tooth is lost, but implant You need to insert the tooth with treatment.

However, it is possible to help replenish these minerals with dietary habits and home remedies before tooth decay occurs. This process is known as remineralization. It may also become possible to stop demineralization.

It may be helpful to talk to your dentist about the following treatment measures to help re-mineralize your teeth and stop demineralization. Mineral loss and mineral formation in our teeth are interrelated and in a constant state of flux.

How to Stop Demineralization (Mineral Loss)?

Ways to strengthen teeth can be listed as follows.

Brush Your Teeth with a Matching Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is important for destroying bacteria. Tooth decay is primarily caused by the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in your mouth.

A 2016 study found that these bacteria are transmitted through food and drink. Brushing your teeth regularly can eliminate bacteria that can cause mineral loss and tooth decay.(Source)

Use the Right Toothpaste for Your Teeth

Not all toothpastes work against demineralization. Check the ingredients of toothpastes and make sure they are suitable for your tooth structure. If you use fluoride toothpaste, you should make sure that the amount of fluoride is appropriate. You can get help from your dentist in this regard.

Fluoride toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay and can also strengthen your teeth, making them less susceptible to mineral loss. If you have reservations about using fluoride, you can use toothpastes with herbal ingredients that can be effective against tooth decay (such as thyme oil)

Pay attention to the sugar content

Your dentist has probably warned you about sugar in the past, or you know that sugar rots teeth. Sugar is acidic and breaks down tooth enamel and interacts with bacteria in the mouth.

More importantly, one study found that regular and high sugar consumption increased demineralization (loss of minerals).(Source) It is important to think several times when consuming sugary foods. It is also worth considering the damage that can be caused by substances with a high sugar concentration (glucose, fructose, lactose).

Prefer Sugar-Free Chewing Gum

The role of gums in oral health has been debated for decades, but research shows that sugar-free gum can actually promote tooth re-mineralization.

According to an older study, sugar-free gum helps remove sugar, plaque and carbohydrates from teeth, while stimulating your salivary glands to produce more saliva.

Chewing gum can also act as a preservative to prevent mineral loss. To enjoy the benefits of sugar-free chewing gum, it is better to chew it after meals or between meals.

Be Careful When Consuming Fruit Juice

While fruit is part of a healthy and balanced diet, it can also be quite acidic.

Fruit acids can cause chelation (excretion) of enamel, which can lead to the removal of calcium from the teeth. This means that the acids bind to the calcium and remove it. Many of the juices we buy contain added sugar, which can be even more harmful for teeth.

The best option is to consume as much low-acid fruit juice as possible, prepared at home.

Calcium, Vitamin and Mineral Support

While calcium is naturally produced inside the teeth, this important mineral is stripped from the teeth over time by acids and bacteria. You can replace calcium by eating calcium-rich foods. A 2003 study found that eating calcium-rich cheese can counteract the harmful effects of sugar.(Source)

If your diet is deficient in calcium, you should talk to your dietitian.

A 2012 study found that taking vitamin D supplements may help protect against cavities. Ask your doctor or dentist about taking vitamin D supplements.

It may be worth checking your vitamin levels to make sure you are getting the other vitamins needed for healthy teeth.

Try to Eliminate Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva production. Saliva is not only important for keeping your mouth comfortable, it also helps prevent cavities.

According to 2016 research, saliva is an integral part of remineralization. Saliva not only prevents dry mouth, it also contains phosphate and calcium.(Source)

If you have dry mouth, you can use chewing gums and mouthwash to increase saliva activity. It may be useful to discuss this with your dentist.

Restrict Starchy Foods

Starchy foods such as potatoes, rice and bread contain simple carbohydrates. These increase the amount of fermentable sugars in the mouth, which can erode your teeth.

However, according to a 2003 study, the risk of tooth decay tends to be higher when starchy foods are eaten with sugar. For example, sweetened rice is problematic for teeth, but plain rice is not.

Increase Water Consumption

Water is rich in minerals and is vital. It is also extremely useful in terms of removing harmful substances from the body.

Rinsing your mouth with water when you don’t have a toothbrush handy can help reduce demineralization. This technique is especially effective after eating acidic or sugary foods.

While coffee and tea are not completely forbidden, they have little benefit for re-mineralizing your teeth and have a negative effect on tooth color. They can also increase acidity (especially coffee). Adding sugar can make these drinks even more harmful when it comes to oral and dental health.

Carbonated drinks are also acidic and often contain sugar and should therefore be limited.

Taking steps to remineralize your teeth and stop existing demineralization, and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your teeth healthy.

What happens if mineral loss in teeth cannot be stopped? There is an increase in tooth decay and tooth loss. Dental fillings are needed for cavities and implant treatment is needed for tooth loss.