Each of us dreams of a beautiful Hollywood smile, and this requires he althy and strong teeth. How to preserve and strengthen tooth enamel at home, and what methods do doctors use? What is tooth remineralization? Let's try to understand this issue.
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 hydroxyalaites. Due to such a porous structure, acids easily penetrate into the tooth enamel, and minerals are removed. Under the influence of an acidic environment, caries appears, the enamel layer is gradually destroyed, and this process is called demineralization of tooth enamel. Prolonged exposure to acids as a result leads first to superficial caries, and then it reaches the pulp. Painful pulpitis begins.
There are some factors that affect the condition of tooth enamel:
- Anatomical structure of the tooth, spaces between teeth.
- Oral hygiene.
- Saturation of enamel with fluorine.
- Quality of receivedfood and the amount of trace elements and vitamins in the body.
- Composition and amount of saliva.
- Genetic factor.
- The state of human he alth.
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.
Restoration process
Remineralization of teeth is the restoration of tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to the effects of pathogenic bacteria, acidic environment. This procedure reduces the sensitivity of the teeth. It has its positive aspects:
- Enamel strengthens.
- Stops the development of caries at the initial stage.
- Reduces tooth sensitivity.
- Returns he althy color after wearing braces.
- Neutralizes improper whitening with harsh abrasives.
- The microflora of the oral cavity is normalizing.
- Tooth enamel is lightened by 4 tones.
In the arsenal of dentists, there are two ways to remineralize tooth enamel:
- Artificial.
- Natural.
Each type has its own distinctive features, pros and cons.
Artificial way
In specialized clinics and dental offices, artificial remineralization of teeth is carried out. The following drugs are used for it:
- 10% calcium gluconate or calcium chloride,
- 0, 2% sodium fluoride,
- 5-10% calcium phosphate,
- 2, 5%calcium glycerophosphate,
- complex preparations: "Remodent", "Ftorodent", GC Tooth Mouss and others.
The essence of the procedure for artificial mineralization of teeth is as follows:
- A damaged tooth is covered with artificial enamel, this creates a barrier protection.
- The tooth is covered with calcium-fluorine varnish, in addition to the barrier protection, the enamel is strengthened, the damaged tooth structure is restored. Such a varnish is applied with a special brush or using mouthguards, which are made in the dental office.
Artificial tooth remineralization may include fluoridation. If the procedure does not include this stage, then the teeth are coated with active calcium in several layers. At the end, fluorine varnish is used as a fixative.
In the event that fluoridation 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 remotherapy of teeth lasts from 5 to 20 days.
One way to remineralize is to use electrophoresis. Calcium and fluorine enter the tooth structure under the influence of weak current discharges that are not felt by a person. The number of physiotherapy sessions is from 10 to 15.
The artificial method has a positive side - a quick solution to the problem of damaged enamel. The negative side is the rapid wear of the coating. Conclusion: the problem is solved quickly, but not for long.
Natural remineralizationteeth
This method is to strengthen the enamel, normalize the composition of saliva and increase the flow of minerals into the body. All this is quite affordable for everyone at home, for this you need:
- Regulate your diet.
- Increase intake of foods containing calcium, fluoride and phosphorus.
- Take mineral complexes, they have a good effect not only on tooth enamel, but also on the condition of the gums.
- You need to drink enough fluids enriched with fluoride and calcium. As a result of this, saliva will be released, creating the correct alkaline environment.
- Observe oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes. This procedure should last at least 3 minutes.
Restoring 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 a dentist will select the right treatment. Of course, these will be primarily calcium, fluorine and phosphorus preparations. Professional products of very high concentration are prescribed in a short course in the form of fluoride applications.
Pastes, gels and rinses are used at home.
It should be borne in mind that an excess of fluorine is just as dangerous as its deficiency. This must be remembered if fluoride preparations are used.
Tooth gels
Good to use as a supplement to remineralization gel pastesteeth. It is effective only at the first stage of caries. It brightens teeth well and reduces sensitivity. If the gel is used regularly, then a film forms on the teeth, which promotes the penetration of minerals into the tooth and protects against the effects of acids.
Also, when using such additional funds, foci of inflammation are neutralized, conditions for the reproduction of bacteria are eliminated, enamel is strengthened, all this is an excellent prophylactic against caries. The gel can be used after bleaching and for focal remineralization. For home use, drugs such as Amazing White Minerals, Vivax Dent, R. O. C. S. Medical Minerals.
In order for teeth remineralization at home to be effective, you should follow the instructions for using the drugs and take into account the recommendations of the dentist.
Need for remineralization
Not everyone, of course, is shown such a procedure, but there is a category of patients who need remineralization:
- Children and adults at the initial stage of caries.
- At the risk of developing caries as a method of prevention.
- People with sensitive teeth.
- For patients after treatment with braces.
- People with darkened enamel.
- Children in their teens.
- For the elderly.
- Pregnant.
Child care
Remineralization of teeth in children, as a rule, begins at the age of 6age.
This happens with the help of caps that 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.
Course of treatment - 2-4 weeks. The medicine used to fill the mouthguard is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the child's body.
Remineralization of baby teeth can be done at home. It includes the use of preparations containing calcium, fluoride and phosphate. These products can be rubbed into the teeth, some can be used in the form of applications, as an addition, use toothpaste and rinses. The course of treatment must be coordinated with a dentist.
Tips to enhance the healing effect
Remineralization of tooth enamel will be 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 medical paste penetrates into the tissues of the teeth.
- Be sure to floss to clean the gap between your teeth.
- It is good to use a mouthwash with fluoride after the treatment paste. It will fix the calcium trapped in the tooth enamel.
- Eat more dairy products, hard cheeses, green vegetables, legumes, almonds and nuts.
- You can use water enriched with fluorine, you just need to becareful with the norms so that there is no glut of this element.
- To improve the blood supply to the gums, which means a better supply of nutrients to the teeth, gum massage is useful. Do it in a circular motion with your fingers for a few minutes after brushing your teeth.
- Reduce sugary sodas and other sweets.
- Drink less coffee and strong tea. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating and eating sweets.
- Got to quit 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. Regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth strong and he althy. This is the only way to be sure that the smile will always be dazzling.
