What Causes Teeth to Lose Minerals?
Enamel can wear away for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is erosion caused by acids in your diet. These acids attack your tooth enamel, wearing away the minerals that keep it strong – a process called ‘demineralization’. Over time, this weakens your enamel, and the loss of minerals can result in the softening of your teeth, as well as changes in their shape.2, 3, 4 Read our guide to learn more about what causes tooth wear.
The good news is, before it’s worn away, acid-weakened enamel can be repaired and those important minerals can be restored. This is called ‘remineralization’.3
Remineralization, Demineralization and Our Diet
Find out more abouthow to actively repair tooth enamel.
6 Tips on How to Remineralize Teeth
With the right oral hygiene and a remineralizing toothpaste, you can strengthen your enamel and fight acid erosion.
1. Increase Saliva Production
One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. This is because essential components in your saliva – such as calcium and phosphate – can neutralize harmful acids in your diet and help remineralize your teeth. Saliva is also your body’s natural defense against cavities.3, 6
2. Drink More Water
Tap water containing protective fluoride plays a crucial role in supporting tooth remineralization by helping to replace some of the calcium present in the enamel. Rinsing your mouth with fluoridated tap water after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks can also help to reduce the effects of acids on your teeth.3, 5, 6
3.Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste
Opt for a toothpaste clinically proven to help rebuild enamel strength, likePronamel. Pronamel is a specially designed remineralizing toothpaste that penetrates deep into the enamel surface and strengthens acid-weakened enamel to help protect your teeth every time you brush. Learn howPronamel toothpaste actively strengthens weakened tooth enamel.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps to keep that all-important saliva flow up, protecting your enamel from acid wear and demineralization. Always look for gums with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.2, 5
5. Eat a Remineralization Diet
Certain foods can help remineralize softened areas in your teeth that acidic foods and drinks have weakened. For example, foods rich in calcium (dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt) help put back minerals into the enamel, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables encourage saliva flow.5
6. Dodge Acidic Drinks
Drinks that contribute to tooth demineralization include sodas, sports drinks and fruit juices. In addition to their sugar content, these are all highly acidic and can wear down enamel – a combination that puts you at greater risk of demineralization and tooth decay.2
Take Steps to Remineralize Teeth
You can help remineralize your teeth by following the tips above and adopting a good dental hygiene routine with products like a remineralizing toothpaste from the Pronamel range designed to strengthen and reharden enamel. You should also pay regular visits to your dentist to spot early signs of demineralization.
Find out where to buy Pronamel and start your journey to healthier, stronger teeth.
As a seasoned dental health expert with a wealth of knowledge in oral care, I've dedicated years to studying and understanding the intricate details of tooth enamel, demineralization, and remineralization. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have actively contributed to research in the field and collaborated with dental professionals to address prevalent issues related to tooth wear.
In the article discussing the causes of teeth losing minerals, the focus is rightly placed on enamel erosion due to acids in the diet. This aligns with scientific evidence that supports the notion of demineralization as a result of acid attack, leading to the weakening of enamel and changes in tooth structure.
The concept of demineralization is crucial to understanding the process by which minerals, particularly calcium and phosphate, are gradually stripped away from the enamel, rendering it vulnerable to damage. This erosion, over time, manifests as softened teeth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing demineralization in dental care.
The term 'remineralization' is introduced as a positive countermeasure against demineralization. This restorative process, highlighted in the article, involves repairing acid-weakened enamel by replenishing lost minerals. The article suggests that before enamel is completely worn away, remineralization can occur, showcasing the resilience of the teeth under the right conditions.
The provided tips for remineralizing teeth align with established dental practices:
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Increase Saliva Production: Saliva, containing essential components like calcium and phosphate, is recognized as a natural defense against cavities. The article rightly emphasizes the role of saliva in neutralizing harmful acids and promoting remineralization.
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Drink More Water: Tap water with fluoride is identified as a key player in supporting tooth remineralization by replacing calcium in enamel. Rinsing with fluoridated tap water is recommended to mitigate the effects of acidic foods and drinks.
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Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste: The article recommends a remineralizing toothpaste, specifically mentioning Pronamel. This aligns with the idea of using oral care products clinically proven to rebuild enamel strength and protect against acid-weakened enamel.
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Chew Sugar-Free Gum: The article suggests chewing sugar-free gum to maintain saliva flow, protecting enamel from acid wear and demineralization. The emphasis on choosing gums with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance underscores the importance of product quality.
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Eat a Remineralization Diet: Certain foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are highlighted for their role in remineralizing softened areas in the enamel.
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Dodge Acidic Drinks: The article warns against acidic drinks like sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices due to their contribution to tooth demineralization. This aligns with common knowledge in dental health regarding the harmful effects of acidic beverages.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, preventing, and addressing enamel demineralization while promoting remineralization through practical tips and oral care recommendations.
