Each of us dreams of a beautiful Hollywood smile, and this requires healthy and strong teeth. How to preserve and strengthen tooth enamel at home, and what methods do physicians use? What is remineralization of teeth? Let's try to figure this out.
Tooth enamel
If we consider the structure of the enamel layer of the tooth, we will see that it consists of a crystalline network, which, in turn, includes tiny prisms of hydroxyalites. Due to such a porous structure, acids easily penetrate tooth enamel and minerals are excreted. Under the influence of an acidic environment, caries appears, the enamel layer is gradually destroyed, and this process is called demineralization of tooth enamel. The prolonged exposure to acids results first in surface caries, and then it reaches the pulp. Painful pulpitis begins.
There are some factors that affect the condition of tooth enamel:
- The anatomical structure of the tooth, the gaps between the teeth.
- Oral hygiene.
- Enamel saturation with fluorine.
- The quality of food intake and the amount of trace elements and vitamins in the body.
- Composition and amount of saliva.
- Genetic factor.
- The state of human health.
Given the susceptibility of enamel, you need to protect it, since it can be restored only if it is slightly destroyed, so strengthening it is simply necessary.
Recovery process
Remineralization of teeth is the restoration of tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to the effects of pathogenic bacteria, acidic environment. This procedure reduces tooth sensitivity. It has its positive aspects:
- Enamel strengthens.
- The development of caries at the initial stage is stopped.
- Decreases tooth sensitivity.
- A healthy color returns after wearing braces.
- Incorrect whitening with harsh abrasives is neutralized.
- The microflora of the oral cavity is normalized.
- 4-tone tooth enamel brightens.
In the arsenal of dentists, there are two ways to remineralize tooth enamel:
Each species has its own distinctive features, pros and cons.
Artificial way
Artificial remineralization of teeth is carried out in specialized clinics and dental offices. The drugs for her are used as follows:
- 10% calcium gluconate or calcium chloride,
- 0.2% sodium fluoride,
- 5-10% calcium phosphate,
- 2.5% calcium glycerophosphate,
- complex preparations: Remodent, Fluorodent, GC Tooth Mouss and others.
The essence of the procedure for artificial mineralization of teeth is as follows:
- Damaged tooth is covered with artificial enamel, this creates barrier protection.
- The tooth is coated with calcium-fluorine-containing varnish; in addition to the barrier protection, enamel is strengthened and the damaged tooth structure is restored. Such varnish is applied with a special brush or use mouthguards, which are made in the dental office.
Artificial remineralization of teeth may include fluoridation. If the procedure does not include this step, then the teeth are coated with active calcium in several layers. In the end, fluorine varnish is used as a fixative.
In the case where fluorination is provided, active calcium and fluorine are applied in turn. This creates a strong protective shell. This method is called deep fluoridation. The course of dental rheotherapy lasts from 5 to 20 days.
One of the methods of remineralization is the use of electrophoresis. Calcium and fluorine enter the tooth structure under the influence of weak discharges of current that is not felt by a person. The number of physiotherapeutic procedures is from 10 to 15.
The artificial method has a positive side - a quick solution to the problem with damaged enamel. The negative side is the rapid wear of the coating. Conclusion: the problem is solved quickly, but not for long.
Natural remineralization of teeth
This method consists in strengthening enamel, normalizing the composition of saliva and increasing the intake of minerals in the body. All this is quite accessible for everyone at home, for this it is necessary:
- Normalize the diet.
- Increase the intake of foods containing calcium, fluorine and phosphorus.
- Take mineral complexes, they work well not only on tooth enamel, but also on the condition of the gums.
- It is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of fluid enriched in fluorine and calcium. As a result, saliva will be released, creating the right alkaline environment.
- Observe oral hygiene . To brush your teeth at least twice a day with therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes. This procedure should last at least 3 minutes.
We restore enamel at home
Remineralization of teeth at home, therefore, involves the use of a natural method. However, it is worth supplementing it with the procedures that the doctor will prescribe. Only the dentist will choose the right treatment. Of course, these will be primarily calcium, fluoride and phosphorus preparations. Professional products of a very high concentration are prescribed in a short course in the form of fluoride applications.
At home, use pastes, gels and rinses.
Keep in mind that an excess of fluorine is just as dangerous as its lack. This must be remembered if fluoride-containing preparations are used.
Enamel gels
It is good to use gel for remineralization of teeth as an addition to pastes. It is effective only in the first stage of caries. It brightens teeth well and reduces sensitivity. If the gel is used regularly, then a film is formed on the teeth, which facilitates the penetration of minerals into the tooth and protects against the effects of acids.
Also, when using such additional means, the foci of inflammation are neutralized, the conditions for the reproduction of bacteria are eliminated, the enamel is strengthened, all this is an excellent preventive measure against caries. The gel can be used after bleaching and for focal remineralization. For home use, drugs such as Amazing White Minerals, Vivax Dent, ROCS Medical Minerals are purchased.
To remineralize teeth at home to be effective, you should adhere to the instructions for the use of drugs and take into account the recommendations of the dentist.
The need for remineralization
Of course, not everyone is shown such a procedure, but there is a category of patients who need remineralization:
- Children and adults in the initial stage of caries.
- At the risk of developing caries as a method of prevention.
- People with tooth sensitivity.
- Patients after treatment with a bracket system.
- People with darkened enamel.
- Children in adolescence.
- To old people.
- Pregnant
Child care
Teeth remineralization in children, as a rule, begins from the age of 6.
This occurs with the help of cap, which are filled with mineral complexes. They must be worn for at least 20 minutes a day. The gel consists of active substances:
- Xylitol reduces the activity of pathogenic bacteria.
- Calcium glycerophosphate forms a film that prevents calcium loss.
The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks. The drug, which fill the mouthpiece, is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the child's body.
Remineralization of primary teeth can be carried out at home. It includes the use of preparations containing calcium, fluorides and phosphates. These funds can be rubbed into the teeth, some can be used as applications, and toothpaste and rinses are used as an addition. The course of treatment must be agreed with the dentist.
Tips for enhancing the healing effect
Remineralization of tooth enamel will pass faster, and the effect will last longer if you follow these simple tips:
- Brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes. Then rinse your mouth for another minute, so more calcium from the healing paste penetrates the tooth tissue.
- Be sure to use floss to clear the gap between the teeth.
- It is good to use a rinse with fluoride after the medical paste. He will fix the calcium that has got into the tooth enamel.
- Eat more dairy products, hard cheeses, green vegetables, legumes, almonds and nuts.
- You can use water enriched in fluorine, but you need to be careful with the norms so that there is no oversaturation with this element.
- To improve the blood supply to the gums, which means a better intake of nutrients to the teeth, gum massage is useful . It must be done in circular motions of the fingers for several minutes after brushing your teeth.
- Reduce the consumption of sugary carbonated drinks and other sweets.
- Drink less coffee and strong tea. After eating and using sweets, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or rinse aid.
- Have to give up smoking. Do not drink too cold or hot drinks.
- Brush your teeth regularly 2 times a day.
Everyone should remember that the most effective way to preserve enamel is daily oral care and prevention. A timely visit to the dentist will help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Only in this way can one be sure that a smile will always be dazzling.