If you have damaged the enamel on your teeth, you might be wondering if you are going to have to spend the rest of your life with subpar protection. The good news for you is that the enamel on your teeth will repair itself over time. The process through which this takes place is known as “remineralization” and here is how it works.
THE ENAMEL ON YOUR TEETH
Before discussing remineralization, it first may be helpful to understand what the enamel is and how it helps you. Your teeth are made up of multiple layers of tissue. The enamel is the outermost layer, and it is by far the hardest.
The enamel serves as an armored coating for the tooth. It helps the tooth to hold up under the everyday wear and tear of chewing, biting, and tearing. However, as time passes, the enamel can wear down. This occurs as a natural result of the tooth being used, and it can also be due to things such as eating acidic foods, brushing with a toothbrush that is too hard, and so on.
RESTORING THE ENAMEL
If the enamel wears down, you will begin to notice discomfort in certain situations. For example, you might feel a little bit of pain when you eat or drink overly hot or cold foods and beverages. Or you might notice an aching in your teeth when you eat sweet food.
Regardless of the symptoms, the enamel needs to be restored. This process involves the tooth absorbing minerals from the body. Fluoride plays an important part of this, as do vitamins D, and K. The saliva in your mouth works to neutralize any acids present, and the teeth absorb the needed minerals. As a result of this process the enamel is repaired and strengthened, allowing you to keep enjoying the foods and beverages that you consume.
