how does remineralization work

by Prof. Vladimir Mann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Tooth remineralisation is a naturally occurring process in the oral cavity. It is defined as a process in which calcium and phosphate ions are sourced to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralised enamel.

In contrast, remineralization happens when minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate reunite with your enamel through consuming food and water. That means that when there is an imbalance between these two processes—say, when there is too much demineralization and not enough mineralization, tooth decay can occur.

Full Answer

What is remineralisation and why is it important?

It is defined as a process in which calcium and phosphate ions are sourced to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralised enamel. Remineralisation remains imperative towards the management of non-cavitated carious lesions and prevention of disease progression within the oral cavity.

How does a remineralization filter work?

I know remineralization filters work because I have one after my RO and then attached to an ionizer. It produces molecular hydrogen because I can see it so that means there has to be mineral content in my RO water. I have attached the same ionizer to regular RO and there was no ionization that occurred. Reply James McMahonsays:

What is the process of remineralization in the ocean?

Remineralization in the open ocean. In most open ocean ecosystems only a small fraction of organic matter reaches the seafloor. Biological activity in the photic zone of most water bodies tends to recycle material so well that only a small fraction of organic matter ever sinks out of that top photosynthetic layer.

What is remineralization of teeth?

Remineralization of Teeth. These same compounds help heal hard teeth, too, as they work to re-harden or remineralize the enamel. Enamel itself can't be re-grown or harden to its original state, but it can self-repair and stay strong if remineralization keeps in step with mineral breakdown -- or demineralization.

How long does it take for your teeth to remineralize?

The remineralization process usually takes about three to four months to take effect. However, once you begin to better fortify your enamel, you may start to see stronger teeth, experience less sensitivity, and even reveal a whiter smile.

How does remineralization of teeth Work?

You are exposed to mouth bacteria throughout the day. Remineralization helps replace those lost minerals to keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth disease. The minerals work together to form a compound called hydroxyapatite, which is a building block of your teeth and provides strength.

Is tooth remineralization possible?

Once the enamel or bone are gone, there's no way to get them back without replacing the tooth entirely. However, it is possible to help replenish these minerals with lifestyle changes and home remedies before tooth decay occurs. This process is known as remineralization.

What is the best way to remineralize teeth?

How can you remineralize your teeth quickly?Hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite is a type of calcium that occurs naturally in your body. ... Use a remineralization toothpaste. ... Fluoride toothpaste. ... Avoid foods with phytic acid. ... Heal your gut with probiotics. ... Get more vitamin D. ... Use baking soda. ... Perform coconut oil pulling.More items...•

Can Remineralizing toothpaste heal cavities?

Fortunately, you can restore your enamel before it's gone through a process called remineralization which takes approximately three to four months to take effect: Brush with a fluoride toothpaste: You can begin to cure tooth decay while it's still in its early stages with a toothpaste formulated to remineralize enamel.

Do Remineralizing toothpastes work?

Remineralizing toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth but it can't regrow enamel or reverse cavities. Toothpaste that contains calcium phosphate or stannous fluoride or similar forms of fluoride can help remineralize tooth enamel providing there is enough left to build on.

How can I Remineralize my teeth at home?

6 Ways to Help Remineralize TeethIncrease Saliva Production. One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. ... Drink More Water. ... Use a Toothpaste Designed for the Job. ... Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ... Eat a Remineralization Diet. ... Dodge Acidic Drinks.

Can you rebuild enamel on your teeth?

Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Problem is, it's not living tissue, so it can't be naturally regenerated. Unfortunately, you can't regrow it artificially, either -- not even with those special toothpastes.

Can Salt Remineralize teeth?

Additionally, salt can stimulate the production of saliva, which promotes strong enamel and helps remineralize teeth.

How do you know if your teeth are Remineralizing?

Signs Of Tooth Remineralization If you notice that your teeth' appearance is coming back to normal or the way it was before the damage occurred, your teeth are being remineralized. You may no more feel tooth sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or drinks.

Can baking soda Remineralize teeth?

Baking soda is alkaline, so it can help regulate your mouth's PH by neutralizing the acidity. As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel. Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids.

How do vegans Remineralize teeth?

Eat vegan sources of remineralizing foodsFor vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium (thus contributing to healthy teeth), good vegan sources are fortified cereal and portabella mushrooms. ... Phosphorus rebuilds your tooth enamel, and you can get it from vegan foods such as lentils, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.More items...

What is the process of remineralizing teeth?

Tooth remineralisation is the natural repair process for non-cavitated tooth lesions, in which calcium, phosphate and sometimes fluoride ions are deposited into crystal voids in demineralised enam el. Remineralisation can contribute towards restoring strength and function within tooth structure.

Why is fluoride used in remineralisation?

Fluoride therapy is often used to promote remineralisation. This produces the stronger and more acid-resistant fluorapatite, rather than the natural hydroxyapatite. Both materials are made of calcium. In fluorapatite, fluoride takes the place of a hydroxide.

How does P11-4 work?

Self assembling properties of P11-4 are used to regenerate early caries lesions. By application of P11-4 on the tooth surface, the peptide diffuse through the intact hypomineralized plate into the early caries lesion body and start, due to the low pH in such a lesion, to self-assemble generating a peptide scaffold mimicking the enamel matrix. Around the newly formed matrix de-novo enamel-crystals are formed from calcium phosphate present in saliva. Through the remineralization caries activity is significantly reduced in comparison with a fluoride treatment alone. In aqueous oral care gels the peptide is present as matrix. It binds directly as matrix to the tooth mineral and forms a stable layer on the teeth. This layer does protect the teeth from acid attacks. It also occludes open dentin tubule and thus reduces the dental sensitivity.

What is demineralization of teeth?

Demineralization is the removal of minerals (mainly calcium) from any of the hard tissues: enamel, dentine, and cementum. It begins at the surface, and may progress into either cavitation (tooth decay) or erosion (tooth wear). Tooth decay demineralisation is caused by acids from bacteria in the dental plaque biofilm whilst tooth wear is caused by acids from non-bacterial sources. These can be extrinsic in source, such as carbonated drinks, or intrinsic acids, usually from stomach acid coming into the mouth. Both types of demineralisation will progress if the acid attacks continue unless arrested or reversed by remineralisation.

What determines the effectiveness of salivary buffers?

Plaque thickness and the number of bacteria present determine the effectiveness of salivary buffers. The high salivary concentrations of calcium and phosphate which are maintained by salivary proteins may account for the development and remineralisation of enamel.

How long does it take for sugar to remineralize teeth?

This process requires many months or years.

Does fluoride help with enamel?

In children and adults when teeth are subjected to the alternating stages of demineralisation and remineralisation, the presence of fluoride intake encourages remineralisation and ensures that the enamel crystals that are laid down are of improved quality. Fluoride is commonly found in toothpastes.

Overview

Treatment and prevention

Besides professional dental care, there are other ways for promoting tooth remineralization:
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in rock, air, soil, plants and water and may assist by:
• Potentially repairing early white spot lesions found on the tooth surface that may develop into cavities.
And a reduction in cavities may result in the following downstream benefits:

Tooth decay process

When food or drinks containing fermentable sugars enter the mouth, the bacteria in dental plaque rapidly feed on the sugars and produce organic acids as by-products. The glucose produced from starch by salivary amylase is also digested by the bacteria. When enough acid is produced so that the pH goes below 5.5, the acid dissolves carbonated hydroxyapatite, the main component of tooth enamel. The plaque can hold the acids in contact with the tooth for up to two hours, before it is …

Natural tooth remineralization

Remineralization occurs on a daily basis after attack by acids from food, through the presence of calcium, phosphate and fluoride found in saliva. Saliva also acts as a natural buffer to neutralize acid, preventing demineralization in the first place. If there is reduced saliva flow or reduced saliva quality, this will increase the risk of demineralization and create the need for treatment in order to prevent demineralization progression.

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