The general mineralization of the tooth is constantly maintained due to the mineral composition of the oral fluid, that is, saliva. The most important function of which is mineralizing. Thanks to this function, the “enamel maturation” of erupted teeth occurs.

Enamel is the hardest and most mineralized component. It covers the outside of the tooth crown. Its thickness varies depending on the location on the crown and the shape of the tooth. It reaches its greatest thickness on the cutting edge of the anterior (frontal) and on the tubercles of chewing teeth (molars and premolars). In the area of ​​fissures (recesses), the lateral surfaces of the tooth crown and in the area of ​​​​the necks of teeth, the thickness of the enamel is much less.

Here we can see the connection between the thickness of the enamel and the areas of its demineralization. The hardness of enamel is due to its high content of mineral salts. The mineralization process is significantly influenced by the nature of nutrition, disorders of phosphorus-calcium metabolism (rickets), fluoride content in drinking water, and the general condition of the body.

The condition of permanent teeth can be influenced by diseases of the endocrine system, impaired digestion of food (with celiac disease, dysbacteriosis), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, excessive consumption of sugars, insufficient oral care, lack or, conversely, excess of certain minerals, changes in the composition of saliva (its mineralizing capacity).

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the processes of mineralization and demineralization of tooth enamel. If the mineral composition of the enamel is disrupted, the resistance (stability) decreases and the risk of demineralization of the enamel increases.

One of the methods for correcting disorders is enamel remineralization. This procedure is carried out both for the purpose of prevention and for teeth that already have significant damage to the enamel.
All means for remineralizing enamel can be divided into two groups. The first group includes products based on fluorine compounds. The second group includes products without fluorine, but containing hydroxyapatite particles or calcium compounds.

The remineralization procedure can be carried out both at home and after professional oral hygiene. Before carrying out remineralization therapy, it is important that the teeth are cleaned of any type of plaque. A qualified specialist must assess the condition of the dental tissues and decide which methods are indicated in each specific case.
After professional oral hygiene, a specialist can use a highly effective polishing paste based on a high concentration of nanohydroxyapatite, and also prescribe it for home use, applied to the teeth after daily brushing, or used in mouth guards. For isolated areas of enamel demineralization, teeth are coated with varnish.

There are also complexes that contain an anhydrous fluorine compound and a highly dispersed calcium compound, which ensures deep penetration of particles with the formation of submicroscopic crystals of calcium fluoride, which provide long-term protection for 1 year.

During enamel treatment, deep penetration of substance ions into micropores occurs, due to which remineralization occurs. The procedure of deep mineralization is relevant if the active development of caries begins, as well as for the mineralization of “immature enamel”.

It is important to strengthen the child’s enamel from the beginning of the eruption of baby teeth until the end of the formation of a permanent bite, until about 11-12 years of age. Remineralization is indicated after professional oral hygiene, after a whitening procedure, for demineralization of enamel (white spot), during and after orthodontic treatment, and increased enamel sensitivity.

Healthy, strong teeth are the key to a beautiful smile. However, over time, due to improper care, external influences and a person’s unhealthy lifestyle, the enamel of his teeth deteriorates and becomes thinner. In order to strengthen and preserve the tooth surface, dentistry resorts to remineralization - artificially saturating the enamel with missing mineral elements, restoring the hardness of the teeth and feeding the upper layers with useful substances.

What is and what are the causes of dental demineralization?

To understand what enamel demineralization is, you need to have an idea of ​​its structure. Tooth enamel is considered one of the strongest tissues of the body, consisting almost entirely of inorganic substances. The strength of bone tissue is ensured by such elements as:

• calcium;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• fluorine.

Enamel has a porous structure. Thanks to this, acids easily penetrate into it, and minerals are washed out of it.

Usually in the body two opposing processes, remineralization and demineralization, are balanced. However, for some reason this balance may be disrupted, and then the process of strong leaching of macro- and microelements begins. As a result, gradual destruction and loosening of the enamel layer begins, which is called demineralization.

Enamel mineralization as a process can be disrupted by the same factors as the destruction of bone tissue, namely problems with the supply and absorption of the required substances.

Both internal failures and external factors can lead to violations of this kind. The first reasons include:

• poor absorption of substances from food by the intestine;
• disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• diabetes mellitus;
• problems with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
• insufficient enzyme activity.

External factors that provoke demineralization of teeth include:

• poor oral hygiene;
• inflammatory processes in the gums;
• dental anomalies (torsion, curvature of units);
• use of dental structures with violations.

In what cases is remineralization required?

Remineralization of teeth is the process of restoring the upper layer of dental units, aimed at increasing its resistance to the negative effects of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the harmful effects of an acidic environment. The main indication for artificial mineralization of enamel is its destruction (demineralization). After remineralization of tooth enamel, the following results are achieved:

• strengthening the enamel layer;
• stopping the development of caries at the initial stage;
• reduction of periodontal sensitivity;
• restoration of the natural color of teeth;
• eliminating the consequences of poor-quality bleaching;
• normalization of microflora in the mouth;
• enamel brightening.

Typically, mineralization is not carried out separately, but is carried out in combination with other manipulations that are carried out with the aim of improving the health of the oral cavity. Other reasons that serve as indications for such a procedure include:

Contraindications

However, remineralization of enamel is not always possible. There are situations when such a treatment and prophylactic procedure is contraindicated for a person.

The first reason why remineralization cannot be performed is due to an allergic reaction. There are patients who cannot tolerate drugs used for mineralization of teeth.

One of the main elements responsible for the strength of the outer enamel layer is fluoride. True, not everyone is allowed to carry out fluoridation. This applies to people who have:

• problems with the pancreas;
• pathologies affecting the kidneys;
• diseases, due to the presence of which it is prohibited to use products, pastes containing fluoride, as well as consume fluoride-containing products.

Types of dental mineralization

Mineral leaching is usually caused by two factors: increased acidity of saliva and insufficient presence of essential minerals in the body. You can strengthen the enamel layer by normalizing the composition of saliva and increasing the supply of minerals. This can be done either independently or in the dentist’s office.

There are 2 types of enamel mineralization:

• natural;
• artificial.

As for natural remineralization, it is directly related to nutritional correction and oral care. You need to brush your teeth using preventive toothpastes. Cleaning should be done 2 times a day for at least three minutes. You can also use special remineralizing gels and rinses yourself at home.

Artificial mineralization involves treating the tooth surface with fluoride and calcium-containing products and gels, including:

• calcium gluconate or chloride 10%;
• sodium fluoride 0.2%;
• calcium phosphate 5–10%;
• calcium glycerophosphate 2.5%.

Complex remineralizing preparations are also used for these purposes:

• Remodent;
• Fluorodent;
• GC Tooth Mouss and others.

The essence of the procedure comes down to covering the tooth with artificial enamel, which creates protection, or with a special remineralizing varnish, which not only performs protective functions, but also strengthens the enamel and restores its damaged areas.

In addition, it is necessary to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system, as they impair the absorption of minerals. Another additional non-specific method of remineralization is gum massage. It helps improve blood supply and ensures the supply of necessary elements.

The manipulation is carried out after brushing the teeth with circular movements up and down for several minutes. To carry it out you will need oils; you can use olive, sea buckthorn or tea tree oil.

Plus, it is possible to wear mouth guards filled with mineral complexes. This method is used when carrying out remineralization in children. It is carried out from the age of six. The course of therapy lasts 2–4 weeks, and you need to wear the mouth guard for 20 minutes every day. Remineralizing gels often contain xylitol, which reduces the effects of bacteria, and calcium glycerophosphate, which prevents its loss.

Nutritional rules for strengthening enamel

Special attention should be paid to human nutrition. If the body does not receive the necessary microelements and substances along with food, then a deficiency occurs in the dental tissues, which leads to thinning and destruction of the enamel. For this reason, the diet should contain foods rich in calcium, fluorine and phosphorus, which are responsible for the condition of the enamel layer. The menu should regularly include:

However, there are also products, the combination of which can only harm your teeth. You should not eat calcium-containing and acidic foods at the same time, for example, cottage cheese with lemon jam or gravy.

How to carry out remineralization at home?

You can saturate the enamel with the necessary minerals at home using applications, rubbing in special pastes and gels, and wearing silicone mouth guards. Remineralization procedures are carried out 15 minutes after standard teeth brushing. A special gel must be applied on both sides. After this, you must not eat, drink or smoke for at least 60 minutes. Applications are usually done 2-3 times a week for a month.

When choosing a remineralizing gel for independent use, you need to seek a recommendation from your dentist. Some do not need to be washed off, others, on the contrary, need to be washed off with chamomile decoction. It also depends on the composition how often and for how long a particular gel or paste can be used.

What does a dentist do?

The professional procedure is carried out in several stages:

1. removal of tartar, soft plaque and hard deposits, if any, mechanically;
2. drying the tooth surface;
3. treatment with calcium-containing preparations in ionic form;
4. applying sodium fluoride to the enamel using a brush or tray.

Procedures are carried out daily or every other day. Duration is 5–20 days. At the end of the course, a varnish containing fluoride is applied to the teeth.

Prevention measures

Taking preventive measures will prevent tooth demineralization and avoid the need for remineralization. Prevention of this problem comes down to proper and high-quality oral hygiene.

The following conditions must be met:

• carry out daily brushing of teeth twice a day;
• periodically rinse your mouth with pharmaceutical preparations and folk remedies;
• use additional devices for dental care, which include dental floss, irrigators, special brushes;
• control your diet, which should be balanced and rich in foods containing minerals, vitamins and other beneficial substances;
• reduce consumption of coffee and sweets;
• giving up such a bad habit as smoking;
• timely treatment of dental diseases;
• undergo regular preventive examinations with a dentist (once every six months).

As for nutrition, the menu must include dairy and fluoride-containing products. Other foods that protect tooth enamel from demineralization include nuts, hard cheese, legumes, meat, and green vegetables.

Increased sensitivity of enamel, the formation of caries and the appearance of cracks in teeth contribute to the leaching of macro-, microelements and minerals from the enamel. In order to restore tooth structure, a procedure called remineralization of teeth, in particular enamel, was developed. Conventionally, this procedure is divided into natural and artificial.

Why is teeth remineralized?

Continuous natural remineralization of enamel in the oral cavity is carried out with a healthy microflora and the correct chemical composition of saliva, ensuring an optimal balance of minerals in tooth enamel. But it is worth noting that the modern lifestyle to a greater extent cannot be considered correct, therefore the enamel is damaged and susceptible to various diseases. Let's look at the factors that negatively affect the condition of tooth enamel:

• stress;
• presence of bad habits;
• lack of macro-, microelements and vitamins in the body;
• abuse of coffee, tea and alcohol;
• eating large amounts of sweets and sugar;
• poor quality of drinking water;
• eating disorders, as well as unhealthy eating.

All harmful factors contribute to the loss of minerals and other components necessary for oral health from the enamel as a result of direct exposure to an acidic or alkaline environment on the dentition. This process is called demineralization. As a result, the composition of the enamel undergoes changes, and its protective functions are significantly weakened.

Enamel undergoes changes as a result of a deficiency of the following components in the body:

• carbonates;
• apatites;
• fluorine.

It is worth noting that the lack of these components in the body contributes to the onset of the carious process - the formation of white spots. Timely and high-quality remineralization of enamel allows not only to stop all carious processes, but also to return each tooth to its original appearance.

Indications for the remineralizing procedure

The remineralization procedure is indicated for the following conditions and conditions:

1. excessive sensitivity of enamel to various sources of irritation;
2. preparatory stage for laser teeth whitening;
3. recovery after prolonged use of various orthodontic structures;
4. demineralization of tooth enamel, which occurred against the background of tartar deposition;
5. increased wear of teeth;
6. hypoplasia of tooth enamel;
7. wedge-shaped pathology in the development of the oral cavity;
8. softening of dental tissues;
9. caries, which is in the initial stage, when deformation of the upper layer of enamel is observed, and white spots are formed.

Remineralization of tooth enamel

Mineralization of teeth is the restoration of the balance of mineral components in the structure of the tooth, in order not only to increase its strength, but to protect it from external aggressive factors, and also serves as a preventive manipulation against the development of various dental diseases.

The most significant source of minerals for the dentition is saliva. The second, less significant source is the path from the pulp through the dentin. Actually, for this reason, this procedure is based on the first method of saturating the dentition with all the necessary nutrients.

Weakened teeth can be restored using two methods: can be used in the dental office or at home:

1. Use of remineralizing devices of electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
2. Treatment of teeth using applications of mineralizing preparations (solutions, pastes and gels).

The remineralizing procedure consists of applying special frames to each tooth one by one, with the help of which it is possible to strengthen the enamel and significantly increase its protective properties. These products include the following components:

• strontium;
• ionized fluorides;
• zinc;
• phosphorus;
• calcium.

And also, the composition of preparations for remineralization of teeth includes:

• complex medications: Remodent, Fluorodent and others;
• calcium glycerophosphate - 2.5%;
• calcium phosphate - 5-10%;
• sodium fluoride - 0.2%;
• calcium gluconate and calcium chloride - 10%.

Algorithm for the procedure for remineralization of the dentition:

As a result of all the above manipulations, tooth enamel is saturated with all the components necessary for it. The procedure has a cumulative effect; fluoroapatite compounds are gradually formed.

It is worth noting that according to Such procedures must be carried out daily or every other day for 5-20 days. The final manipulation of the course is the application of a special varnish to the teeth, which contains fluoride.

Fluoridation is a method of saturating enamel with all necessary substances and directly strengthening it, as well as increasing its resistance to environmental irritants.

Fluoride ions, entering the tooth structure, form a protective layer on it that prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and acids into the enamel, and also prevents the leaching of minerals from the deep layers of dentin and enamel.

Saturation of teeth with fluoride can be carried out in one of the following ways:

• The express method involves placing special disposable mouth guards with fluoride-containing gel on the teeth for at least 5-10 minutes. Based on numerous reviews, gels are effective.
• Using mouth guards In the dental office, reusable individual mouth guards are made, using which you can perform fluoridation of the dentition at home. The duration of each procedure and course should be determined by the attending dentist. Sometimes mouthguards need to be worn throughout the night while you sleep.
• Gel for remineralization of teeth is used for minor damage to the dentition; as a rule, the damage does not extend to more than two teeth. In the vast majority of cases, the doctor resorts to a combination of several remineralization methods in order to achieve maximum effect. You should pay attention to the fact that the desired effect will not occur immediately, but some time after the end of the therapeutic course.

Prevention of oral demineralization

To prevent tooth enamel from losing all its protective properties, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations:

How to reanimate your teeth at home?

Perhaps the most affordable and easiest to implement method is to use high-quality toothpastes and gels. Dentists strongly recommend using oral care products that have been tested by manufacturers.

Let's look at some of the most effective and well-proven pastes and gels for oral care:

1. Elmex- a toothpaste clinically tested by Europeans, which perfectly copes with the first and minor manifestations of caries, and also restores the structure of the tooth, increasing its resistance to external irritants.
2. Lacalut Alpin- toothpaste with a carefully thought-out composition, which allows not only to thoroughly clean the enamel, but also ensures an optimal balance of microelements in the tooth structure.
3. Apa Care- an oral care product that contains medical hydroxyapatite, which, due to its chemical properties, fills all microcracks in the upper layers of tooth enamel.
4. Vivax Dent- a remineralizing gel that reduces the sensitivity of acids to tooth enamel. The main purposes of the gel are to combat caries, increase tooth sensitivity, and also to combat enamel erosion.
5. R.O.C.S. Medical Minerals- a paste that helps restore the balance of nutrients in the upper layers of the tooth, gently whitens the enamel, saturates the tooth structure with phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

Benefits of remineralization at home

• The ability to carry out procedures at a time convenient for you;
• It is possible to choose the drug yourself, based on individual preferences and financial capabilities.

Even regular and complete oral care cannot guarantee a person a complete absence of dental diseases.

Enamel, which is the outer and hardest layer of the elements of the jaw row, loses the mineral elements present in it over time.

This process is called demineralization and leads to increased tooth sensitivity, the appearance of microscopic cracks in them, and susceptibility to carious lesions.

According to experts, the following factors most often lead to the development of demineralization of the dental surface:

• unbalanced diet;
• disruption of the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, resulting in the development of hypovitaminosis;
• pathologies of the functioning of the endocrine system, which entail disruption of metabolic processes in the body;
• failure to perform oral hygiene procedures;
• inflammatory processes in gum tissue;
• wearing orthodontic or removable orthopedic structures;
• high crowding of teeth;
• presence of diabetes mellitus;
• the occurrence of hormonal changes in the body.

If any of the above problems occur, you should consult a dentist. This will help to promptly detect the beginning of the process of leaching of useful substances from the enamel and prevent it.

Indications for the procedure

The remineralization procedure is prescribed by the dentist if the patient has the following pathological signs:

• the occurrence of toothache when eating food at too high or low temperature, eating sour or sweet foods;
• development of carious lesions of the enamel that do not affect the internal tissue of the tooth;
• increased abrasion of the enamel or its thinning as a result of whitening, removal of mineralized plaque, or wearing an orthodontic structure;
• loss of natural shine of the tooth covering;
• inflammation and increased sensitivity of gum tissue;
• congenital lack of mineralization of the surface of the incisors;
• period of increased body need for minerals - pregnancy, menopause, adolescence.

Contraindications

Despite the absolute safety of the procedure, specialists from dental centers note that its implementation is contraindicated in the following cases:

• in the presence of individual intolerance to the drugs used, which manifests itself in the occurrence of an allergic reaction;
• in the case of fluoridation of teeth in the presence of factors for which it is not recommended - diseases of the excretory system, pathological functioning of the thyroid gland.

Operating principle

Remineralization is a procedure for restoring the structure of the tooth surface by normalizing the balance of mineral elements that are present in the enamel.

This allows you to reduce the risk of developing caries, increase the strength of the elements of the row and protect them from the action of negative external factors.

The essence of the remineralization process is based on the semi-permeable property of enamel. The tooth surface is covered with a special preparation that contains a complex of mineral elements necessary to maintain the integrity of the incisors.

It may contain calcium, phosphorus, zinc, ionized fluorides and other components that increase the protective properties of the enamel.

The remineralization procedure can be carried out both in dentistry, using professional compounds, and independently, thanks to therapeutic and prophylactic pastes and special gels.

The frequency of the procedure depends on the initial state of the elements of the dentition, therefore It is advisable to first consult a dentist.

Find out why tooth enamel becomes thinner and what methods can be used to restore it from the video.

Professional technique - in dentistry

The procedure for remineralization in a dental clinic involves the use of professional drugs.

Among them, there are two large groups - fluoride-containing products and preparations based on calcium compounds. The choice of a specific compound depends on the degree of demineralization of the tooth surface.

Drugs used

Most often, dentists use the following substances to restore the mineral balance of enamel:

1. Complex means− “Remodent”, “GC Tooth Mousse”, “Ftorodent”. Applications with a 3% solution of these products saturate the enamel with essential elements such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc. Due to the absence of toxic compounds, they can be used to restore the mineral composition of primary teeth in children aged two years and older.
2. 10% solution of calcium gluconate or chloride. Applying gauze swabs soaked in the preparation to the dental surface allows you to compensate for calcium deficiency. For more complete penetration into tooth tissue, the electrophoresis method can be used.
3. Sodium fluoride. The compound is most often applied to the enamel after using calcium-containing preparations. Sodium fluoride helps to activate the process of protein metabolism in tooth tissues, as well as reduce permeability.

Carrying out the procedure

The process of artificial remineralization of the tooth surface, carried out in the dental center, includes several stages:

1. Enamel preparation. Before starting to saturate the bone organs with minerals, the dentist carries out sanitation of the oral cavity, which includes professional cleaning with the removal of mineralized deposits.

   This allows you to remove bacteria present on the surface of the teeth and eliminate the possibility of their further development and reproduction under the applied mineral coating. At the end of the preparatory stage, the enamel is thoroughly dried.

2. Application of restorative gel. Using a special device, the dentist distributes a preparation containing certain mineral elements over the tooth surface.

   Its choice depends on the degree of enamel depletion. Most often at this stage, applications with calcium-containing compounds are used.

3. Fluorine coating. Using a brush or mouthguard, sodium fluoride is applied to the enamel, which helps to activate the mineralization process, as well as create a protective layer on the surface of the teeth that prevents the destructive effects of food acids.
4. Carrying out electrophoresis. This stage is not used in every case, however, it allows you to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

   Due to the effect of low electric current discharges on the tooth surface, the active elements of the professional gel penetrate into deeper layers.

Depending on the type of composition used, the procedure may vary slightly. The duration of its implementation and the need for repetition are determined by the attending physician based on a preliminary examination of the condition of the elements of the jaw row.

What to do after

The duration of preservation of the results of remineralization carried out in dentistry depends on whether the patient adheres to the following recommendations of the attending physician:

• within 2-3 hours after the procedure, you must refrain from eating and drinking;
• the procedure for brushing your teeth must be carried out at least twice a day using floss or irrigator;
• it is advisable to reduce the amount of foods containing simple carbohydrates and add more fruits and vegetables to the diet;
• be regularly examined by a dentist and repeat the procedure as necessary;
• undergo an examination to determine the level of vitamins and minerals in the body and prescribe the necessary complex by a doctor.

The natural way

In addition to artificial remineralization, which involves the application of special compounds, you can enrich your teeth with useful components in a natural way.

It includes the following activities:

• diet correction, including dairy products, legumes, seeds, nuts, green vegetables, meat and fish, which are rich in calcium, phosphorus and fluorine;
• giving up bad habits, contributing to the destruction of enamel;
• drinking fluoridated and calcined water in small quantities after prior consultation with a doctor;
• taking vitamin complexes prescribed by a specialist to avoid the occurrence of nutritional deficiencies;
• use of therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes and rinses to prevent the leaching of mineral particles from the enamel.

At home

To restore the mineral balance of the enamel and maintain it at the required level, you can use medications intended for home use.

These include therapeutic and prophylactic pastes, rinses, gels. However, in order for these products to be beneficial and not harm your teeth, you must adhere to the following rules:

• The paste must contain one active component - calcium or fluorine. The simultaneous presence of these elements will lead to their neutralization.
• The choice of remineralizing gel should be made after consultation with a dentist, based on his recommendations.
• Before applying a special gel, it is necessary to remove bacterial plaque from the surface of the teeth using a paste and a brush, and then remove moisture from the enamel using a gauze swab or a directed air flow.
• For ease of application, dentists recommend using a lip fixation device.
• Before using a specific drug for remineralization, you must read the instructions for its use and safety precautions.

Gels

At the initial stage of demineralization, it is possible to prevent its further progression through the use of the following drugs:

1. Amazing White Minerals. This gel allows you to fight caries at the stage of its occurrence, reduces the sensitivity of teeth and increases the duration of their whiteness after professional whitening.
2. Vivax Dent. The remineralizing balm contains sodium fluoride, a peptide complex, kelp extract, and castor oil. The product is intended for daily use and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
3. R.O.C.S. Medical Minerals. The drug is intended to strengthen sensitive teeth. It contains magnesium, calcium and fluorine compounds, which help increase the strength of enamel and suppress the activity of bacteria.
4. Lakalut Alpin– toothpaste with anti-caries and anti-plaque properties. Thanks to sodium fluoride and a mineral complex, the product tones the gum tissue and slows down the formation of mineralized plaque.
5. Gel Elmex Contains sodium fluoride and amino fluoride, which promote mineralization and strengthening of enamel. The instructions suggest cleaning your teeth with the product no more than once a week.

Price

The cost of remineralization depends on whether a professional procedure is used or drugs used at home.

So, for in-office saturation of teeth with a vitamin complex, you will have to pay from 150 to 300 rubles per tooth.

The cost of self-use products is as follows:

The video describes in detail a professional approach to the process of tooth remineralization.

Remineralization is a procedure aimed at saturating tooth enamel with strengthening microelements - calcium, phosphorus, fluorine, magnesium, etc. Manipulations against demineralization of enamel can be carried out both in the dentist’s office and at home. Using remineralizing agents such as pastes, mouth guards, and gels at home allows the dental tissue of adults and children to successfully withstand the negative effects of the environment.

Indications for the procedure

An imbalance in the acid-base balance and chemical reactions occurring in the mouth lead to the leaching of important microelements from the dental tissue (demineralization). This causes changes in the color and structure of the enamel, making it vulnerable to processes that cause caries.

A procedure such as mineralization is aimed at restoring enamel. It strengthens it, makes it less sensitive to acids, temperatures, sweet foods, and promotes the renewal of dental tissue, restoring lost microelements. Indications for remineralizing procedures are:

• prevention of caries or as part of complex therapy;
• increased tooth wear;
• strong enamel reaction to foods high in sugars, low and high temperatures;
• after procedures that led to a thinning of the enamel layer (removal of braces, mouthguards, tartar, whitening);
• mechanical tooth injuries;
• damage to enamel by chemicals;
• increased gum sensitivity;
• excessively rapid formation of plaque.

It is important to carry out manipulation during adolescence, pregnancy, menopause. During this period, demineralization of teeth occurs at an accelerated pace due to the fact that vitamins and minerals are consumed at a tremendous rate.

Remineralization of teeth has contraindications. These include allergies to the substances used for the procedures. Since the manipulation often involves fluoridation, it cannot be performed on people who have diseases of the pancreas, kidneys, and other pathologies for which the use of fluoride is not recommended. This also applies to the use of remineralizing gels.

Types of tooth enamel remineralization

It is customary to distinguish two types of remineralization – natural and professional. In the first case, we are talking about strengthening the enamel from within the body by correcting the diet and maintaining oral hygiene with the help of remineralizing gels.

If there is increased demineralization of the enamel or if there is a desire to take serious preventive measures aimed at strengthening the structure of the teeth, doctors come to the rescue. The dental procedure involves applying special solutions to the enamel, which supply the dental tissue with the necessary elements.

The natural way

Natural remineralization involves actions aimed at strengthening teeth, which can be done without the help of a dentist. They include not only hygiene procedures, but also a correct lifestyle. Be sure to follow the basics of a healthy diet. The diet should contain foods with phosphorus, fluorine, and calcium. Help strengthen tooth enamel:

• green vegetables, fruits;
• cheese, cottage cheese and other dairy products;
• nuts, legumes;
• meat.

Foods with high acidity prevent the body from absorbing calcium, so it should be consumed separately from foods containing calcium. You should not overuse fluoride, as it can cause poisoning.

Vitamin-mineral complexes help fight demineralization well. When purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention that their action is aimed at restoring dental tissue. To avoid mistakes, it is better to consult a dentist.

We should not forget about hygiene procedures. Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpastes that contain elements necessary for their health, use gels and rinses.

Artificial remineralization

Professional remineralization involves the help of a dentist who treats the surface of the teeth with strengthening solutions. To fill microcracks and stop their expansion, the doctor rubs one of the remineralizing gels, which contains calcium phosphate, into the crowns. To strengthen the enamel and reduce its sensitivity, the teeth are coated with fluoride varnish or a special gel. Electrophoresis is prescribed to stimulate the movement of calcium ions into tooth enamel.

Description of the stages of the procedure

Mineralization of enamel in the dentist's office consists of several stages. Depending on the chosen method, the course lasts from one to twenty days.

Before the procedure, all carious teeth are healed, tartar and plaque are removed. Then the doctor examines the condition of the enamel and prescribes treatment. For artificial mineralization of teeth, the dentist can use preparations that contain:

• calcium gluconate or chloride;
• sodium fluoride;
• calcium phosphate;
• calcium glycerophosphate.

Typically, mineralization involves applying these drugs at different times, since the active substances, when simultaneously applied to the surface of the crowns, not only neutralize each other, but can also cause harm. Recently, complex drugs have appeared that solve this problem. Among them are Remodent, Fluorodent, GC Tooth Mouss.

Mineralization of enamel takes place using various methods. This can be an express method with a one-time application of mouth guards filled with medications to the teeth. Aligners can also be used for reusable procedures. During the process of remineralization, artificial enamel is created on the teeth. After cleaning, the doctor applies one of the preparations to the teeth.

One of the methods involves simple or complex fluoridation. The first method involves applying a special product to the tooth surface using a brush or mouth guards, which were prepared in advance by a dental technician based on a dental impression. Deep fluoridation involves the use of two drugs that begin to interact with each other, creating strong bonds and a protective film on the tooth surface.

Both simple and complex fluoridation consists of several stages, and therefore you will have to come to the procedure from 5 to 20 times. The effect of deep fluoridation lasts about two years.

Products and preparations for remineralization at home

Professional dental procedures are expensive, so the question arises: is it possible to mineralize enamel at home, and what remineralizing drugs are needed for this? It is better to consult a dentist. He will recommend the most suitable option and tell you how often to use the drug - remineralization should not be abused.

The most common method of restoring tooth enamel at home is toothpaste (more details in the article: what to do with sensitive tooth enamel?). It is better to have two tubes, using fluoride in the morning, calcium in the evening, or vice versa. Among such products are Lacalut Alpin or Lacalut Duo, Elmex, ApaCare.

Remineralization can be done using trays, which a dental technician makes from an impression of the dentition. They are filled with a remineralizing gel prescribed by the dentist and left on the teeth for a certain time. This method is convenient because there is no need to visit a doctor. Among these products is R.O.C.S. remineralizing gel containing calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. If there are no trays, the paste can be applied with a brush. After the procedure, you should not eat for an hour. You should not apply remineralizing gel to teeth that have not been cleaned with paste, since it does not replace it, but complements it.

Although pastes, gels, and rinses can strengthen teeth, in severe cases of demineralization it is better to consult a specialist. You should monitor the condition of your oral cavity. If stones, caries, or chips appear, professional treatment is mandatory.

Treatment of insufficient mineralization of teeth in children

Children's baby teeth require no less careful care than permanent teeth. At the same time, they are more vulnerable: the enamel of a newly erupted tooth is characterized by a lack of minerals, and it finally strengthens within two years. Because of this, teeth can easily become victims of caries, which can subsequently negatively affect the condition of permanent teeth.

A child also needs to undergo remineralization because the child’s body is constantly growing, which is why the substances necessary for the construction and development of cells are quickly consumed. This means that demineralization of the enamel occurs in a short time. To prevent teeth from decay due to mineral leaching, additional enamel protection is essential.

The appearance of the slightest stains on the enamel indicates its vulnerability, so you must immediately contact your dentist for further treatment. Carrying out remineralization in children is not much different from a similar procedure in adults. The course of therapy lasts about a month. Saturating teeth with minerals will weaken the process of leaching calcium from the enamel and strengthen it to fight bacteria. This will reduce the number of visits to the dentist and eliminate the need to use a drill to treat caries.

Since dental tissue is strengthened from within the body by substances that come with food, parents should carefully monitor their children’s diet and take care of a healthy diet. Vitamin and mineral complexes will help in the fight against demineralization.