Promoting a Cycle of Remineralization

Oral health professionals have been trying to educate patients about protecting their teeth from dental caries for decades. However, tooth decay remains the number one disease commonly found in children.¹ Frequently, diet and lifestyle choices are to blame for the increased incidence of caries.

Today, caries risk assessment is more focused on preventing caries, not just among children and adolescents, but also adults. Chairside, dental hygienists are educating patients that enamel breakdown can be managed by promoting a cycle of remineralization, allowing the enamel to naturally repair damage caused by cariogenic bacteria.¹

Remineralization is the process of replacing lost minerals in the enamel to lower the likelihood of a carious lesion developing. This process happens when calcium and phosphate build on existing crystal remnants of dissolved tooth minerals, allowing the tooth to repair itself.^1-4 Repairing the enamel with remineralization can only occur when carbohydrates and acidic pH levels are controlled and limited. Saliva and supplemental products can help aid the remineralization process. Without remineralization, bacteria would constantly attack and penetrate the enamel layer of a tooth.^1-4

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* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.