*preventingcavities.com |
The process of decay is a
complicated interplay of an acidic and basic balance of chemistry in the mouth.
Salivary flow and content, the presence of decay-causing bacteria, the age of
the teeth, diet, and the level of plaque all play a role in the decay
(demineralization) as well as the rebuilding (remineralization) process
involved in tooth decay.
Demineralization
At the very earliest stage
of the decay process, there is not an actual “hole” in the tooth. There is,
however, an alteration of the mineral content of the enamel. This stage of
decay is completely invisible to the eye. It cannot be detected by an x-ray. It
is a microscopic change where, due to the level of acid in the immediate area,
the building blocks of enamel (calcium and phosphate) begin to dissolve on a
microscopic level. When the acid environment is left unchecked (plaque is
allowed to accumulate undisturbed against the tooth surface), more and more of
the bonds between calcium and phosphate dissolve. This is a process called demineralization. If the acid challenge
becomes severe and more of the underlying structure of the tooth begins to
dissolve, the outer surface becomes unsupported. It is at this time that the
actual hole, or what you call a cavity,
appears.
Remineralization
When the outer surface of
the enamel is still intact, with no break detectable, there is an opportunity
for the bonds between calcium and phosphate to become re-linked through a
process termed remineralization. And
the great news is that dental science discovered that in the presence of
fluoride, these bonds actually become stronger than they were initially. It is
in this way that an early cavity can be reversed. When this happens, the tooth
does not need to be drilled and filled.
The process of
demineralization and remineralization can be seen as a tug of war on the
molecular level of all surfaces of all your teeth, all the time!
How You Can Promote
Remineralization
There are several steps you
can take on a daily basis to help ensure that you are promoting
remineralization. These are:
·
Control your diet: watch the type of decay-promoting foods you eat and
the quantity
·
Improve your oral self-care by brushing and flossing daily
·
Use topical fluoride on a daily basis
·
Use antimicrobials and other anticaries agents as directed on a regular
basis
·
Maintain your dental hygiene recare schedule
The early stages of dental
decay CAN be reversed with no loss of tooth structure, and you can help promote
a healthy mouth by following just a few simple rules.
Call Omni Dental today at (512) 250-5012 to speak with one of our specialists about the latest ways of enhancing your smile and dental health. You can also go to our website: omnidentalgroup.com for more information!
Facebook page: facebook.com/omnidentalgroup
Twitter: twitter.com/omnidentalgroup
Call Omni Dental today at (512) 250-5012 to speak with one of our specialists about the latest ways of enhancing your smile and dental health. You can also go to our website: omnidentalgroup.com for more information!
Facebook page: facebook.com/omnidentalgroup
Twitter: twitter.com/omnidentalgroup
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