You may have heard us mention “demineralization” when you’ve come in for a routine dental visit. Demineralization of teeth refers to the process of minerals being worn away from enamel, the outer protective layer of teeth. This is a natural occurrence that happens every day in conjunction with remineralization, the process of minerals being added back to the enamel. Read on to discover how you can encourage remineralization for strong and healthy teeth!
1. Practice Excellent Dental Hygiene
First off, maintaining superb dental hygiene is paramount to prevent excessive demineralization, weakening of your enamel, and tooth decay. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time using a toothpaste with fluoride, floss daily, and rinse at least occasionally with a mouthwash suited for your dental needs. Also, keep up with your biannual dental cleanings and checkups. During your cleaning, we’ll effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup in ways you won’t be able to at home.
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydrating with water that contains fluoride, nature’s cavity fighter, is one of the easiest ways to prevent demineralization. Drinking water, especially after meals, helps to wash out your mouth and maintain your saliva production. Saliva, your mouth’s natural rinse, contains minerals that coat your teeth to protect them from decay and demineralization.
3. Watch Your Sugar Consumption
Oral bacteria feed off of sugar and create acid that wears on enamel. Reducing your sugar intake will lessen your chance for plaque to form and cause tooth decay. Remember that sugar is not only sweets, pastries, and candy but also refined starches that are stripped of their beneficial fiber and nutrients. So if possible, limit your consumption of white bread, white flour, white rice, pasta, crackers, pizza dough, and certain breakfast cereals. Instead, eat more foods with any of the following ingredients: oats, barley, brown rice, rye flour, and whole wheat flour.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Lastly, chew sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after meals to freshen your breath and clean your teeth. The combination of increased saliva production and chewing helps to remove food particles.
