Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Over time, poor oral habits, diet, and other factors can weaken it, leaving you with a smile that’s not as strong as it was before. However, when that happens, knowing how to remineralize teeth naturally can help reverse the process. Our Charlotte, NC, dentist is here to share some safe, science-backed tips to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
What Is Tooth Remineralization?
Tooth remineralization is a term used to describe the process of restoring lost minerals to the outermost layer of your teeth, also known as enamel. Vital mineral ions, such as calcium, can fill in any weakened areas, and this helps strengthen your pearly whites before any irreversible damage happens.
Why Is Remineralization Important?
Where there’s remineralization, there’s also demineralization. This is the process of enamel erosion, where the minerals that keep your teeth strong wear away because of dietary acids. Over time, demineralization weakens the enamel, leading to changes in its shape and thickness, as well as discoloration and sensitivity.
Unfortunately, what was once lost can’t be restored, but learning how to remineralize your teeth can help strengthen the enamel and protect it from future erosion. However, it’s also super important to do it safely, so it’s best to always consult your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark, especially if you’re planning to introduce some new products to your usual oral hygiene routine.
How to Remineralize Teeth the Safe Way
You might be wondering – how long does it take to remineralize teeth? The truth is, it’s not really about a set timeline. Instead, it’s about introducing good, healthy habits into your daily routine and staying consistent with them. Let’s take a closer look at the most important aspects you should be thinking about when strengthening your smile.
Pay Close Attention to What You’re Eating
Your health, both oral and overall, is in your mouth, so when it comes to learning how to naturally remineralize teeth, diet is crucial. Your teeth should be getting more minerals than they lose, and certain foods can help with this. Calcium is obviously major, but vitamins A, C, D, and K are just as important. Here are some foods that should be in your regular rotation:
- Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt,
- Leafy greens like broccoli and kale,
- Foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach,
- Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna.
It’s about what you eat, but it’s also about what you’re staying away from. Daily intake of sugary and acidic drinks, like sodas or sports drinks, can speed up the process of demineralization by a long mile. The same goes for sweets, of course. This doesn’t mean you have to be on a Spartan diet or some other strict regimen – you can enjoy your favorite snacks from time to time, just be mindful about your intake.
Saliva Production Is More Important Than You Think
More often than not, people don’t realize just how important saliva production is for good oral health. It cleans food particles and neutralizes harmful acids, making it a key component when it comes to the mineralization process.
So, how do you make sure you’re producing enough saliva, and that it’s actually doing your teeth good? Well, there’s one obvious thing – drink plenty of water. It’s important for your overall well-being, but it will also help get the minerals from your saliva into the enamel.
Another good trick for bettering both the quantity and quality of saliva is to chew sugar-free gum. Keep your mouth hydrated and active, and you’ll create the perfect environment for your teeth to naturally repair and stay strong.
Make Sure You Use a Good Toothpaste
Fluoride is another one of those naturally occurring minerals that can help strengthen your tooth enamel. It forms fluorapatite, which makes teeth more resistant to demineralization. This is why every dentist in Charlotte, NC, as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) itself, will recommend fluoride toothpaste. In fact, you won’t be seeing the ADA Seal of Acceptance on any toothpaste that doesn’t contain this essential mineral.
Chances are, you’ll be seeing a lot of different products on the shelves, from toothpastes to mouthwashes, that will have some pretty bold claims on their packaging. Truth is, some can do more harm than good. Because of that, always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and when in doubt, your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark can always recommend trusted options perfect for your smile.
Visit Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist for Regular Appointments
Regular dentist appointments aren’t just a marketing ploy to keep you coming back to the clinic and offer you different treatments. They are a crucial part of having good oral health, as during professional cleaning and exams, your dentist in Charlotte, NC, can spot early signs of enamel wear and provide you with fluoride treatments or other habits and products that will help with remineralization. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference for your smile.
Protect and Strengthen Your Smile With Aspire Dental Wellness
Your smile deserves to be kept healthy and resilient, and one of the best ways to do just that is through remineralization. We’ve discussed small daily changes that, when it comes to having strong teeth, aren’t so small after all. Aspire Dental Wellness, our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is always here to help you take that next step toward a healthier smile.
With our holistic approach, Dr. Sladjana Bjelac and her team will make sure every change you make is good not only for your teeth but also for your overall well-being. Contact us today to reserve an appointment, and have the best Charlotte dentist SouthPark offers give you some personalized advice.
