At first glance, “tooth remineralization” sounds like some sort of constructive oral surgery—but no worries—it’s just another term to describe strengthening your teeth against decay and cavities through increasing the minerals in your teeth. Tooth and enamel remineralization is a relatively simple process. Did you know that by maintaining the right pH balance in your saliva, avoiding certain foods, and choosing a decay-fighting fluoride toothpaste, you’re already working toward tooth and enamel remineralization? What is the Mineralization of Teeth? Before discussing methods for remineralizing teeth, it’s essential to understand the naturally occurring tooth remineralization process and demineralization. According to the …
What is Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. This tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown which is the part of the tooth that's visible outside of the gums. Because enamel is translucent, you can see light through it. But the main portion of the tooth, the dentin, is the part that's responsible for your tooth color -- whether white, off white, grey, or yellowish. Sometimes coffee, tea, cola, red wine, fruit juices, and cigarettes stain the enamel on your teeth. Regular visits to your dentist for routine cleaning and polishing can help remove most surface stains and make sure your teeth stay healthy. What does tooth enamel do? Enamel helps protect your teeth from daily use such as chewing, …
Dental Erosion: What You Eat & Drink Can Impact Teeth
Think that only sweet-tasting drinks and snacks are harmful for your teeth? Think again. Sugar isn’t the only dietary factor that can damage your smile. Foods and beverages that are high in acids wear away the enamel that protects your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. This changes the appearance of your teeth and opens the door for bacteria that can cause cavities or infection. What Does Tooth Erosion Do to My Teeth? Tooth erosion is permanent. If your enamel has started to wear away, you may: Feel pain or sensitivity when consuming hot, cold or sweet drinks Notice a yellowish discoloration of the teeth Find that your fillings have changed Face greater risks for more cavities over time Develop an toothache, in …
Dental Erosion: Acid Reflux Effects & Prevention
Did you know your digestive health can affect your teeth? Frequent stomach upset can cause a gradual wearing away of the protective enamel on your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. This can affect the appearance of your teeth and open the door for harmful bacteria that cause cavities. How Do Stomach Problems Affect My Teeth? Your stomach produces natural acids that help your body digest food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, especially after a large meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth and everything’s fine. But for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, gastric acids reach the mouth throughout the day. This process is …
Tooth Erosion
Many people consume carbonated beverages, fruit juice, and highly acidic foods every day but probably don’t realize that they might be harming their teeth. The acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away, making teeth sensitive, cracked, and discolored. What is tooth enamel erosion? Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of tooth structure. Basically, tooth erosion refers to the wearing away of the hard part of your teeth, which is called the enamel. What causes enamel erosion? Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel on your teeth is worn away by acid. Usually the calcium contained in saliva will help remineralize (or strengthen) your teeth after you consume small amounts of acid, but the presence of a …