Natural Ways for Teeth Remineralization to Reverse Tooth Decay
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
The occurrence of cavities can be prevented in the initial stage with a dynamic physiochemical process called teeth remineralization. Despite it sounds like a surgical procedure, it is a simple act of replenishing the lost minerals with an updated diet and modified lifestyle. In simply, remineralization is the natural way of reversing tooth decay in its initial stage.
Our teeth enamel is made up of minerals like calcium and phosphate. The teeth lose their mineral components when the acidic substances in foods and drinks we take deposit over the enamel. In the meantime, the deposition of nutrients in foods tends to restore the lost minerals. When there is an imbalance between such demineralization and mineralizing activities, it leads to teeth decay.
Even though remineralization occurs naturally, you indulge in certain anti-cavity methods to encourage the mineralization process. Our dentists and oral hygienists have listed them here.
Is enamel remineralization powerful to reverse cavities?
Yes. A decayed tooth can be saved before the tooth loses its minerals.
Dentists observed that the pulp chamber inside a tooth contains cells called Odontoblasts. The cells when combining the nutritional compounds in foods will have a response in repairing the damaged tissues.
This is the reason why dental doctors recommend foods like milk, butter, vegetables as they contain high calcifying qualities.
Here are the other simple but effective ways to remineralize and repair your decayed teeth naturally:
1) Use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwashes
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can strengthen the teeth enamel to combat bacteria attacks. It supports the process of fortifying enamel internally and externally.
In the stage of permanent teeth development, fluoride taken via foods like spinach will enter the bloodstream and contribute to developing strong teeth.
Likewise, fluoride compounds in water, toothpaste, and mouthwashes are cavity fighters. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with fluoride mouthwashes will boost the teeth to revamp the enamel.
2) Rebalance the pH in your mouth
Saliva is a natural cleanser and a good source of teeth strengthening elements like Calcium. Shortage of saliva will lead to bacteria thrive and end in dental irregularities like dry mouth, bad breath, tooth decay, gum diseases, and much more.
Do you know that the acidic substances in foods and drinks we take will imbalance the pH of your saliva?
Carbonated substances in sparkling water, citric acid in lemon juices are well-known instances. Dentists said that drinking beverages also create such pH imbalance in our mouths.
Hence everyone should rebalance the pH in the mouth after every meal and even taking drinks. Likewise, increasing the salivary also supports you in addressing this irregularity. Here are the simple tips:
- Swish your mouth right away after every meal and drinking beverages, fruit juices.
- Drink more water
- Chew sugarless gums
- Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Take foods that contain natural probiotics
- Take lactose-free dairy products because lactose is a kind of sugar that causes enhance the acidic environment in your mouth.
3) Change your diet menu
Most foodstuffs we are taking contain phytic acids that cannot be easily absorbed by our body. In general, our body transforms the phytic acid into phyrates which take calcium present in our body. Such calcium absorption is one of the reasons for jawbone malformation that leads to teeth misalignment and mandates orthodontic treatments.
Similarly, it will have havoc on teeth formation and mineralization process. Hence we address you limit nuts, grains, sugar intake as they contain high amounts of phytic acids.
Lessen such cuisines and replace them with the following things in your diet for remineralization:
- Foods rich in Calcium, Phosphorous
- Foods rich in magnesium and iron
- Take Vitamins B & D supplements
Bottom line
The nutritional content in foods is the primary reason to boost remineralization. When the right diet is partnered with a healthy oral care regimen, you can feed your enamel the necessary minerals to treat cavities by natural means.
Contact our dental team if you have any doubts or want to know more.
