0
What is Tooth Demineralization?
Demineralization is a naturally occurring process wherein the mineral content of your teeth wears away. You’ll be happy to note that because teeth are constantly exposed to food, drink, and bacteria, it has developed a high resistance to demineralization. This is primarily because of enamel, a hard and protective layer covering the tooth. However, enamel is not indestructible.
Demineralization becomes a problem when your body cannot match the rate of demineralization to remineralization. In these instances, demineralization is a sign of enamel damage and tooth decay and must be addressed. Moreover, as the teeth become rougher, staining may occur on the tooth’s surface.
What Causes Tooth Demineralization
Acid Attack
Acid is the major cause of demineralization. An acid attack happens through two primary means:
Bacteria
Bacteria in your mouth create plaque, which is a sticky film on the teeth that allows bacteria to feed and grow. A by-product of plaque is acid.
Dietary Acid
Eating acidic fruits and drinking acidic fruit juices, sodas, fizzy drinks, and coffee can also lead to demineralization.
Others
There are other factors that contribute to tooth demineralization:
Health Conditions
Health conditions like bulimia and gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause increased acid in the mouth.
Lack of Saliva
Saliva acts like a mouthwash that neutralizes acid. Aside from this, it also has mineral ions that are necessary for rebuilding enamel. Without a healthy amount of saliva, you’re more likely to have a high rate of demineralization. Certain diseases and medications cause dry mouth. Not drinking enough water can also lead to dry mouth.
What You Can Do Against Demineralization
You aren’t helpless against demineralization! There is such a thing as remineralization, which is when vital minerals like calcium bond to the teeth to fill in the previously weakened areas of enamel.
Aside from strengthening your teeth, a benefit of remineralization is that it makes your teeth whiter too! However, remineralization can only do so much. Because of the intensive damage that demineralization may cause, we suggest having your teeth professionally whitened. This way, not only do you reverse the effects of remineralization, but you also get your teeth to become brighter, shinier, and healthier than before.
To get the best teeth whitening in the country, check out The Smile Bar. Use the code GET500, for PHP 500 off on any of their amazing teeth whitening services. In just one session that lasts as little as 20 minutes, you’ll be able to erase the staining caused by demineralization.
How to Remineralize Your Teeth
Remineralizing your teeth is surprisingly easy!
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Practicing proper oral hygiene goes a long way. Don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day, and schedule yearly cleanings and checkups with your dentist.
Stay Hydrated, Drink Water
I can’t stress the importance of drinking enough water. Drinking enough water increases your saliva production, and it can also increase your fluoride content. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that rapidly enters mineralized tissue. It hardens tooth enamel, helping to protect against tooth decay.
Use Products with Fluoride
Speaking of fluoride, use oral hygiene products that use fluoride as an active ingredient!
Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Mouthrinse
The Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Mouthrinse is a prophylactic that is meant to be used before brushing your teeth. It boasts a high fluoride content, making it that perfect extra step for a boost of remineralization.
Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Mouthrinse
PHP 999 for 250mL
Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste
The perfect partner to the mouthrinse mentioned above, try the Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste. Like the mouthrinse, the Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste also contains a high concentration of fluoride. Moreover, this toothpaste can be easily integrated into your oral hygiene routine as a substitute for the toothpaste you use now.
An added benefit of this toothpaste is that it also helps in maintaining whiter teeth after an in-office teeth whitening session at The Smile Bar!
Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste
PHP 849 for 65mL
HiWhite Charcoal Black Mint Toothpaste
Another toothpaste option that you can use in your daily hygiene routine is the HiWhite Charcoal Black Mint Toothpaste. Aside from fluoride, this toothpaste contains activated charcoal that dissolves coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco stains on your teeth’s surface and, it has a minty flavor to give you long-lasting fresh breath.
The HiWhite Charcoal Toothpaste is also available in Coco Mint and Licorice Mint.
HiWhite Charcoal Black Mint Toothpaste
PHP 499 for 65mL
Chew Sugar-free Gum
This is a lesser-known trick, but it is nonetheless effective! Chewing sugar-free gum helps to keep saliva flow up, allowing for the continued neutralization of the acid in your mouth and the continued delivery of essential saliva-bound nutrients.
Eat A Healthy Diet
As previously mentioned, acidic foods and drinks are one of the major causes of demineralization. Try to avoid or at least lessen the amount of acidic foods and drinks you intake. Instead, bulk up on foods rich in calcium (ex. dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt), which help put back minerals into the enamel. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are also good for remineralization, as they encourage saliva flow.
