If you’ve perused our website for any period of time, you’ll likely notice that many of our patient education articles reference enamel and the importance of this incredible substance in the act of protecting our teeth over the course of our lifetimes. One of the best way to keep your smile beautiful is to practice good oral hygiene and protect your enamel well. However, this begs the question: What if my enamel has already degraded? Can I regrow it and return it to its normal state?
The problem is that a lifetime of chewing and drinking inevitably causes damage to our enamel. And while many products claim to be able to enhance your enamel, the question is worth examining more closely.
Remineralization
Unfortunately, while the body is able to regenerate hair, nails, and even brain cells, it cannot regrow enamel. The reason that you can’t regrow tooth enamel is that it’s not a living tissue, although it is one of the hardest substances in the world. However, even though you can’t regrow enamel, you CAN remineralize it. Using products that push calcium and phosphates back into the tooth can help to make the enamel harder. In fact, the most important chemical component of this process is fluoride. While acid pushes these important minerals out of your enamel, fluoride forces them right back in. You can get fluoride through the water you drink, by using special fluoride-enhanced mouthwashes, or by asking your dentist to provide a fluoride-based film that acts as a temporary substitute for enamel.
Prevention
Adding more fluoride to your hygiene routine is a great way to start to prevent your enamel from eroding and enhance the remineralization of your teeth. You can also cut down on the number of acidic foods and drinks that you consume, as well as rinse your mouth with water right after eating to decrease the acidity of your dental environment. Finally, using an electronic toothbrush may help protect your enamel since you won’t be so tempted to press hard against your teeth and disrupt the mineralization process.
Your tooth enamel is one of the most important substances in your body. Taking the time and energy to care for it properly will pay impressive dividends in the long run.
If you have any lingering questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a dental exam, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.