Good oral health is essential for your overall health and to maintain it, nourishment of your teeth is crucial. Your teeth are considered well-nourished when there is a healthy cycle of wear, tear, and repair. To know more about it we spoke to Dr Prashant Bhasin, Endodontist and Implantologist - Dr Bhasin's Superspciality Dental Centre, New Delhi.
What is Demineralisation?
"The process of demineralisation in teeth takes place when the enamel is gradually eroded by the acidic by-product of plaque formation," said Dr Bhasin. Mineral compounds like calcium and phosphate play a crucial role in providing strength and hardness to enamel, the protective layer formed by minerals in teeth.
"When a tooth is subjected to an acid attack, the minerals in the tooth begin to wear away and make the enamel in the tooth porous, which leads to early caries, tooth decay, or dental issues, such as tooth loss," added the doctor.
"What’s good to know is that the body is continuously working to counteract the effects of tooth demineralisation, reverse early caries, and nourish teeth through the remineralisation process," suggested Dr Bhasin.
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How to Remineralise Teeth?
"Remineralisation is a natural tooth repair process that takes calcium and phosphate minerals from your saliva and deposits them on the tooth enamel," said Dr Bhasin.
Did you know that saliva is your natural cavity defender, since it neutralises acids in your mouth, creating a conducive environment for remineralisation to occur? "He said that just as you apply oil to your hair and moisturiser to your skin for increased nourishment and well-being, your teeth require a little assistance to accelerate the process of remineralisation," said the doctor.
To remineralise teeth, a clinical study published by The Journal of the Clinical Dentistry has shown that 1.5% arginine with fluoride and natural calcium toothpaste is more effective than fluoride toothpaste. "Arginine is an amino acid naturally found in foods, such as dairy, meat, nuts, and baby formula. It is also the building block of proteins. It helps to support our mouth's natural defences against tooth decay, produce acid-neutralising molecules, and nourish the mouth by maintaining the pH at an optimal level for the remineralisation of enamel," said Dr Bhasin.
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Remineralising Teeth Naturally
"Fruits and vegetables that can provide calcium, phosphate, and fibre, help to remineralise weakened teeth. So, a balanced diet that contains these food items can go a long way in remineralising your teeth naturally," said Dr Bhasin.
"Additionally, we need to avoid carbonated beverages, such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices, as these are highly acidic and contain a high proportion of sugar, leading to bad bacteria in our mouths," he added.
"Using a toothpaste that has both arginine and fluoride can provide the necessary fuel we need to nourish our teeth and keep tooth decay at bay. Such a toothpaste is well proven to reduce caries onset and progression in low- and moderate-risk individuals and to arrest and reverse carious lesions in children and adults," concluded the doctor.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your health needs.]
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