Fight Tooth Decay With Remineralization

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

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Fight Tooth Decay With Remineralization

Teeth normally cycle through a process of demineralizing and remineralizing. To stay healthy, teeth need to spend more time in the state of remineralization.

Demineralization occurs when acid attacks the calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel on your teeth. As it progresses, a white spot is often visible. Eventually, enough enamel is lost that either the tooth is weakened, causing a cavity or the tooth dissolves away, leaving a smooth surface or erosion, usually at the gum line.

Since demineralization is essentially pH-driven, saliva also plays a part in the process. Bacterially produced acids or consumption of acidic foods or beverages can cause the usually neutral pH of the saliva to drop below 5.5. When this happens, saliva no longer has a buffering effect on the acid and enamel will start to dissolve or demineralize.

Remineralization is the opposite of demineralization. This is the process where the calcium and phosphate ions are reincorporated back into the tooth enamel. Once the pH of the mouth comes back above the critical threshold of 5.5 and moves toward the neutral level of 7, these ions have an opportunity to be redeposited from the saliva back into the enamel.

Who is most at risk for demineralization?

People who frequently consume acidic beverages, those with acid producing conditions (like acid reflux and bulimia), and those who suffer from dry mouth are all more likely to spend more time in a state of demineralization and experience loss of tooth structure.

What beverages are most acidic?

Some of the popular beverages that are quite acidic are Coca Cola (pH 2.525), orange juice (ph 2.8), iced tea (pH 2.868), Gatorade (pH 2.95), and Diet Pepsi (pH 3.031). Keep in mind that the lower the pH, the more acidic and more it will damage a tooth. Battery acid has a pH of 1.0. Neutral is 7.0.

What can I do?

a. Reduce consumption of “fermentable” carbohydrates like refined, high sugar cookies and snacks

b. Reduce consumption of acidic beverages like soft drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks

c. Chew gum to stimulate saliva, especially one that contains a high concentration of a non-fermentable sweetener, like Xylitol, which will not generate acid or lower the pH in the mouth.

d. Have fluoride varnish applied to your teeth every six months by your dental hygienist. Fluoride in biofilm binds to the partially decalcified enamel crystals. Fluoride attracts calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to remineralize the enamel. Repeated exposure to fluoride may produce the best remineralization environment.