Can Teeth Heal Themselves?

Your teeth are made of the strongest substance in the human body. However, once your permanent teeth emerge in late childhood, you don’t get another set. If a tooth suffers a major fracture or damage, your tooth doesn’t grow back like your skin does when it is injured. But that doesn’t mean your teeth are completely helpless when damage occurs. When it comes to natural damage, like what happens when your enamel breaks down, there are things you can do to help your tooth regain strength and integrity.

What is Demineralization?

Demineralization is the breakdown of your teeth that can naturally weaken them over time. Demineralization is triggered and accelerated when we don’t practice good oral hygiene. The outer enamel layer of your teeth can erode when sugars combine with oral bacteria to form acids on your tooth surfaces. Unfortunately, when enamel erodes and demineralizes, it leaves your smile extra vulnerable to chips, fractures, cracks, sensitivity, discoloration and cavities. The good news is that “remineralization” is also possible.

Ways to Help Remineralize Your Teeth

Saliva and fluoride are two strong contributors to the remineralization of teeth, and they are both readily available. Saliva is your mouth’s natural way to rinse away food debris, bacteria and acids. However, saliva also contains key minerals like calcium and phosphate ions that help to neutralize the effects of acid. Fluoride is a mineral that can be derived from tap water or fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses. Fluoride is known for its ability to help prevent decay because it helps to rebuild and remineralize your tooth enamel.

Beyond making sure you keep a moist mouth and get daily fluoride, you can also cut back on refined starches and sugar. With less sugar, there is less acid and plaque for your teeth to fight against. You can also consider asking your dentist about professional fluoride treatments.

To learn more about whether your teeth can naturally rebuild themselves, contact Avalon Dental Group. Rest assured that if your teeth have suffered extensive damage, our Sugar Land office offers treatments to restore them.