How does remineralization occur?
Every day our body is exposed to the negative effects of various factors. The process of weakening enamel can be started due to poor nutrition, poor drinking water, regular overexertion and a general lack of organic substances.
When pathogenic flora begins to develop in the oral cavity, the mechanism of natural remineralization of teeth, which works continuously under normal conditions, is disrupted; the leaching of mineral elements begins. The process is called “demineralization,” and if it is not stopped, carious disease and a number of other pathologies can develop.
Remineralization of tooth enamel is the opposite of demineralization. Remineralization can be achieved through restorative procedures that will restore strength to dental tissue and increase its resistance to pathogenic bacteria. There are several recovery options:
- Natural remineralization of teeth: replenishing the balance of biologically significant elements through the consumption of foods high in calcium and fluoride, and additional oral hygiene procedures.
- Artificial remineralization: saturation of enamel using remineralizing drugs. It is carried out both in the dental office and at home.
Enamel demineralization
The enamel is 97% composed of hydroxyapatite crystals, a small amount of water (2–3%) and organic substances (1–2%). Over the course of a lifetime, it can wear out and break down for various reasons.
Demineralization is a process in which enamel loses useful minerals (primarily calcium), on which its integrity and strength depend.
Demineralization has two main causes.
- Poor oral hygiene, in which bacteria multiply and produce acid that destroys enamel.
- Excess carbohydrates in the diet are a breeding ground for bacteria.
At first, changes in the condition of the enamel are not noticeable, but if plaque is not removed in time, whitish spots appear (early stage of caries), and then full-fledged caries. Then just go to the dentist.
At the white spot stage, caries can still be prevented. To do this, you need to saturate the enamel with minerals, which will increase resistance to acids. You can strengthen your enamel both at home and in the dentist's office.
Who is the procedure indicated for?
Remineralization and fluoridation of teeth is prescribed for the following problems:
- sensitive reaction of enamel to temperature differences
- pathological abrasion of teeth
- recovery after orthodontic treatment
- impaired metabolism in the body
- mineral deficiency during pregnancy, menopause or puberty
- weakened enamel after professional whitening
Who should not undergo the procedure: people intolerant to remineralizing drugs, as well as those who have kidney disease and problems with the pancreas.
Remineralization of tooth enamel as professional hygiene
Professional remineralization can be carried out using various means:
Fluoride varnish
The teeth are coated with a concentrated fluoride composition, which saturates the hard tissues and helps resist carious bacteria.
Artificial enamel
Also serves to coat teeth to prevent problems with natural enamel. But if the hard tissue has already undergone negative changes, this method will not help get rid of the consequences, so it is advisable to resort to it in order to prevent the disease in the future.
Electrophoresis
One of the most popular and effective methods of deep remineralization of teeth. The procedure consists of electrotherapy with the introduction of remineralizing substances.
Pros and cons of performing the procedure
If you resort to teeth remineralization in a timely manner, the effect will be maximum. Among the advantages of the procedure:
- Absolute harmlessness, safety and painlessness.
- Quick and reliable restoration of the integrity of the tooth coating (enamel).
- Prevention of the development of oral diseases.
Remotherapy is prescribed not only to adults, but also to children. After all, the condition of the baby teeth determines what the permanent teeth will be like.
There are practically no disadvantages of remineralization. The choice of means depends on the individual characteristics of the body. The effectiveness of the procedure is associated not only with the drugs chosen for its implementation, but also with the correctness of the preparatory work (teeth cleaning and sanitation).
Remineralization of teeth at home
You can solve the problem of thinning enamel not only in the dental office, but also on your own. For this purpose, there are various lines of drugs for remineralization of teeth. It makes sense to carry out such activities without professional help only if there is no visible damage to the dental tissue.
Important!
It is optimal to remineralize teeth at home with two different pastes with fluoride and calcium. It is recommended to brush your teeth first in the morning, and the second before bed. Make sure that one product does not contain both components, since together they create a stable connection and become useless.
In order for teeth remineralization to bring the best results, you must first brush your teeth thoroughly. This will allow the drug to most effectively contact the surface of the teeth.
One of the popular methods of saturating tooth enamel at home is remineralizing teeth with salt. To do this, it is best to use sea salt powder mixed with a few drops of vegetable oil to form a paste. The resulting mass should be rubbed in in the morning and at the end of the day after the teeth have been brushed.
You can also try gum massage at home. The attending physician will tell you what kind of massage promotes the remineralization of hard dental tissues.
A properly formulated diet will help maintain a healthy balance of minerals. The more you consume foods containing calcium, fluoride and phosphorus, the lower the risk of enamel destruction. These include:
- milk, sour cream, cream, cottage cheese;
- meat products;
- cabbage, spinach, zucchini and other green vegetables;
- almonds and sesame;
- soybeans, beans, chickpeas, peas.
It is recommended to add vitamins and minerals from time to time, but it is better to ask your dentist or therapist about your specific choice.
Means for remineralization of teeth
For modern remineralization of teeth at home, there are many effective means that can be used not only for prevention, but also for treatment.
Pastes:
JASON Sea Fresh with fluoride is a gel paste with therapeutic and prophylactic effects. Fluoride and various plant extracts protect against pathogenic bacteria and enrich the enamel.
Biorepair Total Protection Plus is an antibacterial paste, especially suitable for those who have just undergone orthodontic treatment with braces. The product is hypoallergenic. For even more effective remineralization of tooth enamel, you can supplement it with Biorepair Night Repair paste, which restores enamel overnight.
Theodent Classic - unlike other brands of toothpastes, this is the only one that contains the unique patented element theobromine. The properties of theobromine contribute not only to the restoration, but also to the production of enamel. This is the best option for caries prevention.
Twin Lotus SENSITIVITY - a paste recommended for people with increased sensitivity of teeth, as it effectively reduces pain due to aloe and acmella in the composition and strengthens the enamel.
Miradent® Mirasensitive hap+ - reduces sensitivity, while the potassium ions in the composition provide protection right down to the nerve of the tooth.
Gels:
GLOBAL WHITE is a remineralizing gel from a famous American brand. Effectively reduces the sensitivity threshold and restores weakened enamel.
Miradent® gel is an intensive protective agent for the remineralization of teeth with fluoride, recommended for the prevention of caries.
For convenient use of gels, you can purchase special trays for Diamondbrite remineralizing applications.
Mousses and foams:
GC Tooth Mousse is a mousse for the remineralization of hard dental tissues, helps reduce sensitivity, prevent plaque formation and neutralize acidity in the oral cavity. Not suitable for people with allergies to milk proteins.
Professor Persin is a restorative foam for those who do not always have the opportunity to brush their teeth. Helps reduce sensitivity, strengthen enamel and generally have a beneficial effect on oral health.
Rinse aids:
4-action BioRepair is a remineralizing rinse for people with hypersensitive teeth. Thanks to the active Microrepair® particles in the composition, it restores enamel even in the most difficult to reach places, prevents the formation of tartar and the development of caries.
The listed means of teeth remineralization can be used either independently or in addition to professional treatment. You should consult with a specialist regarding the choice of specific products for better remineralization of teeth.
Treatment of caries with gel
Not long ago, scientists developed drugs that promote bone tissue regeneration. They contain peptides, melanocytes and stimulating hormone, which help prevent caries in the initial stage without the participation of a drill and the installation of fillings. Therapeutic gels, penetrating inside the damaged tooth, eliminate inflammation and restore the natural whiteness of the enamel.
This method of treatment has its advantages: no drill is used, which means no anesthesia or tissue trauma. The procedure is gentle and safe. However, such dental treatment from the inside is not always possible. In advanced cases, you will still have to drill and fill the teeth.
It is worth remembering that despite the use of professional hygiene products, you will still have to use dental floss, go for preventive examinations, and regularly undergo a hygiene routine.
The gel can be used most effectively only at the earliest stages of caries.
