Does Enamel Remineralization Really Work?
You rely on healthy teeth to be able to eat a healthy, satisfying diet. Your enamel, a thin, strong outer layer that protects your teeth, is essential for that purpose, yet over time it can wear away. You’ve probably seen those ads for toothpaste that are supposed to help rebuild your enamel. But is that something that’s even possible?
Yes – To a Point
The simple answer is yes, sort of. Because enamel isn’t a living substance, you aren’t able to regrow it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. We don’t currently have the ability to replace it at that point. However, if it’s not gone you may be able to replenish the minerals that make up your enamel to help it last longer and stay strong.
What You Can Do
There are a few things you can do to provide your teeth with the minerals they need to be strong. Start by eating a healthy diet and practicing good oral hygiene. Dairy and leafy vegetables can be a good source of calcium, which can help fortify and strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is another mineral that is essential to the remineralization process. You can get fluoride from toothpaste, and possibly tap water if it’s been fluoridated. Staying hydrated can also help. Adequate hydration helps with saliva production, which helps neutralize the acids from your food and drink that try to eat away at your enamel.
Your Dentist Can Help
If all of that sounds overwhelming, the good news is that you aren’t alone in this. Your dentist can help you keep your enamel healthy and strong too. That’s part of why it’s so important to go in for regular dental visits. Your dentist may be able to apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth to help with the remineralization process. If you need extra help, they may also be able to prescribe a special toothpaste for you that has an added concentration of fluoride. This can be especially helpful for people whose tap water isn’t fluoridated.
Your teeth play a key role in keeping every part of you healthy. Keeping your enamel strong helps them do that. Keep in mind that enamel remineralization only works up to a certain point. Take action to protect your enamel, working with your dentist to ensure that you have healthy enamel and teeth. This will help you continue to have the ability to eat healthy, tasty foods for the rest of your life.
If your enamel is too far gone to be restored, our Tooth Restoration Services can help you regain the beauty and function of your teeth. Take a look today to see how we can help!
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