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The enamel and dentin of teeth are composed of minerals like calcium and phosphate, which help prevent cavities and tooth decay. As we age, minerals are lost from the teeth. This can be exacerbated by a sugary and acidic diet or an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. Once enamel or bone is lost, it cannot be naturally replaced without replacing the entire tooth. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and home remedies can help replenish these minerals before tooth decay sets in. This process is known as remineralization. Additionally, the process of demineralization can be slowed down.
To aid in remineralizing your teeth and preventing demineralization, discuss treatment options with your dentist. The processes of demineralization and remineralization are interconnected and constantly evolving.
1. TEETH SHOULD BE BRUSHED
Brushing your teeth regularly is essential to removing bacteria. Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which accumulate in your mouth, cause cavities (dental caries).
A 2016 study found that these bacteria can be transmitted to humans through food and drink. Regular brushing helps remove the bacteria that lead to mineral loss and cavities.
2. PUT FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE TO USE
Demineralization cannot be prevented by just any toothpaste.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using fluoride toothpaste. Only fluoride-containing toothpaste is awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Using fluoride toothpaste not only prevents tooth decay but also strengthens your teeth, making them more resistant to future mineral loss.
3. REMOVE SUGAR FROM YOUR DIET
It is likely that you have had a warning from your dentist in the past about sugar, and with good reason. It is a well-known fact that sugar has high acidity and interacts with bacteria in the mouth by causing them to break down tooth enamel.
It is also worth mentioning that a study Source found a greater effect of demineralization associated with a high frequency of sugar consumption than it was associated with an amount.
In other words, eating small quantities of sugary foods on a regular basis can be more harmful than eating sugary desserts occasionally.
4. TAKE SUGARLESS GUM WITH YOU
Studies suggest that sugarless gum can actually promote tooth remineralization, despite decades of debate about its role in oral health.
In an older study Source, sugar-free gum causes your salivary glands to produce more saliva while removing sugar, plaque, and carbs from your teeth.
In addition to blocking mineral loss, the gum may also act as a barrier. According to current research, xylitol and sorbitol stand out among sugar-free ingredients as the most promising candidates. Sugarless gum is remineralizing, so chewing it after a meal or in between meals is a good way to reap the benefits.
5. LIMIT YOUR INTAKE OF FRUIT JUICES AND FRUIT FRUITS
It is important to note, however, that fruit can be highly acidic, contributing to a healthy diet. Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges, in particular, are some of the worst offenders.
Calcium chelation occurs on tooth enamel when fruit acids are present. Calcium is stripped away by the acids because they bind to calcium and bind with it. The situation is even worse when it comes to fruit juices, as they are highly acidic and often contain sugars as well.
As a rule of thumb, you should avoid juices and eat acidic fruits only on occasion and avoid juices as much as possible.
6. VITAMINS AND CALCIUM ARE IMPORTANT
Over time, acid and bacteria strip calcium from your teeth, which is an essential mineral. While teeth naturally produce calcium, consuming calcium-rich foods can help replenish lost calcium. For example, a 2003 study found that calcium-rich cheese might counteract the negative effects of sugar consumption.
If your diet is deficient in calcium, your doctor may recommend calcium supplements.
A 2012 article suggested that taking vitamin D supplements could protect against cavities. Take vitamin D supplements as advised by your physician or dentist.
Additionally, discuss daily multivitamins with your trusted Ventura dentist to ensure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins.
7. PROBIOTICS MAY BE BENEFICIAL
It is important to choose probiotic strains produced naturally in the mouth when considering the use of probiotics for remineralization. Using this method, you replace the beneficial bacteria without introducing potentially harmful strains.
Oral health and remineralization may benefit from probiotics such as:
- Bifidobacteria
- It’s Reuters
- rhamnosus
- Salivarian
Probiotic supplements are available as well as certain yogurt brands that contain probiotics. The best results will come from taking these daily.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR MOUTH IS MOIST
There is not enough saliva produced when you have a dry mouth. Your saliva protects your teeth from cavities as well as helps keep your mouth feeling comfortable.
Saliva plays a crucial role in remineralization, according to a 2016 research Source. Calcium and phosphate are also found in saliva, which prevents dry mouth.
You can increase saliva activity by chewing gums or using mouth rinses if you have a dry mouth.
9. CONSUME FEWER STARCHY FOODS
Simple carbohydrates can be found in starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, and bread. As a result, you can develop bad breath, tooth decay, and erosion of your teeth due to the fermentation of sugar in your mouth.
Nonetheless, eating starchy foods combined with sugar can lead to tooth decay, according to a 2003 study Source. It is not beneficial for the teeth to consume sweetened rice, but it is beneficial to eat plain rice.
10. INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE
Medical professionals, nutritionists, and dentists all recommend water as the preferred beverage. Being naturally sugar-free, it reduces the body’s exposure to harmful elements.
If you don’t have a toothbrush on hand, you can rinse your mouth with water to help reduce demineralization. This technique is particularly beneficial after consuming acidic or sugary foods.
While you don’t need to completely avoid coffee or tea, it’s important to note that they don’t help remineralize your teeth. Both tend to be acidic, especially coffee. Adding sugar to these drinks can worsen their effects on oral health.
It’s also crucial to limit soda consumption since they contain both acid and sugar.
Every day, teeth are exposed to various elements that result in mineral loss. Food, drinks, saliva, and bacteria all contribute to the wear and tear on your teeth. Although teeth are designed to handle these elements, excessive demineralization can wear them down.
Regular visits to your dentist will help keep your teeth healthy by promoting remineralization and preventing further demineralization.
