As a child, you may have been told that drinking milk would make your teeth stronger. As an adult, you may have heard the term “remineralization”, but can teeth really absorb minerals? What’s the truth behind the myths and complex terms? Your teeth are one of the strongest parts of your body, but this one biological process can determine how well they withstand daily wear and tear. Understanding how mineralization works is essential for preventing common dental problems such as decay, fluorosis, and enamel defects.
In this article, we will examine tooth mineralization, explain how it develops through various stages of life, and what causes mineralization disorders. Lastly, this article offers options to support healthy teeth at home, and how our offices can help you maintain healthy, well-mineralized teeth.
What is teeth mineralization?
Biomineralization is a vital function of the skeletal system. This process is essential to the dental system, playing a critical role in human growth and development.
Every bone in your body and every tooth in your mouth is created and maintained through biomineralization. Proper mineralization is fundamental in preventing dental issues such as cavities and enamel erosion. To mineralize bone tissue, your body carries calcium phosphate and deposits it in your teeth. These calcium phosphate deposits turn into tiny rigid structures called hydroxyapatite crystals. 70% of your teeth are made of these strong hydroxyapatite crystals: this is what makes your enamel the strongest substance in the body. In addition to calcium and phosphate, another key mineral in biomineralization is fluoride. Each of these substances uniquely contributes to the structural integrity and resilience of teeth. Tooth mineralization is a complex process that begins before birth and continues throughout life. It is influenced by interactions between genetics, diet, and environmental factors, which all influence the strength and durability of teeth.
What are the stages of tooth mineralization?
Early Formation
Tooth mineralization begins before birth, which is why good prenatal nutrition is essential for healthy tooth development. During pregnancy, a mother’s intake of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D directly influences how minerals are deposited in the developing teeth. Around the sixth week of fetal development, mineralization begins when the tooth buds begin to form. In the third trimester, mineral deposition increases, laying a strong foundation for the baby’s primary teeth. If the mother lacks essential nutrients during this trimester, developmental defects may occur, increasing the risk of dental problems in childhood.
Childhood
After birth, tooth mineralization continues with the growth of the primary (“baby”) and permanent teeth. The process goes on as the enamel and dentin mature, strengthening the tooth structure. Eating healthy food during this stage is crucial because childhood dietary factors significantly impact the deposition and retention of essential minerals.
As teeth develop, they undergo what scientists call “post-eruptive maturation”. “During this process, fluoride strengthens baby teeth, making them harder and more durable. The minerals and proteins naturally present in saliva continue to reinforce the enamel and dentin. Saliva acts as a defense mechanism for teeth by maintaining the balance between demineralization and mineral restoration. During this phase of tooth development, fluoride exposure is most important, as research shows that primary teeth respond better to using toothpaste with fluoride than permanent teeth.
What factors affect tooth mineralization?
Several factors influence the mineralization of your teeth, including genetics, diet, and environmental factors.
Genetic Influence
The natural composition of your teeth is mostly determined by genetics, meaning that there isn’t much you can do to strengthen your teeth if they are naturally weak. Some people are predisposed to have weaker enamel or even genetic enamel defects. This makes their teeth naturally more prone to cavities. If your family has a history of tooth problems, pay careful attention to your dental habits and hygiene.
Nutrition and Diet
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining tooth health because your teeth need the minerals found in healthy food. The three essential vitamins for tooth mineralization are calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Prioritize consuming foods that are high in these three minerals. Calcium naturally occurs in dairy products, as well as leafy greens like spinach and kale. To get the recommended daily allowance of phosphate, look for chicken, pork, and seafood such as tuna or sardines. Lastly, vitamin D plays a significant role in calcium absorption, so you should consume egg yolks, salmon, mushrooms, or dairy products.
Acidic foods and beverages also contribute to enamel erosion and mineral loss. Frequently consuming carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and sugary foods can demineralize your teeth.
Dental Hygiene
Regular dental hygiene is also a key factor in maintaining healthy mineralization levels. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, which has been shown to support healthy tooth mineralization. Fluoride enhances mineral retention and protects against demineralization by forming fluorapatite, which is resistant to acid. Many water sources contain added fluoride, making merely drinking water an easy way to keep your teeth protected. By taking proactive steps to care for your teeth, you can preserve their strength, durability, and overall health for years to come.
What happens when teeth are demineralized?
When healthy habits are not maintained, teeth start to demineralize. Demineralization is the removal of minerals (mainly calcium) from the three tissue types: enamel, dentine, and cementum. When teeth are demineralized, enamel erodes and tissue decays.
Your teeth experience fluctuations in mineral levels every day, but this process occurs naturally and is not usually problematic. When you consume any food that contains carbohydrates, the food breaks down into sugars. In your mouth, bacteria feed on the sugar and produce organic acids as by-products. These acids lower the pH of your mouth. When your oral pH is lower than 5.5, this acid becomes strong enough to dissolve carbonated hydroxyapatite (tooth enamel). Your mouth has a natural defense mechanism against these acids. After two hours, your saliva neutralizes the acid, and the minerals return to the enamel surface.
Your teeth only have so much capacity for remineralization, however, and sometimes can’t keep up with the acid being produced. If you consume too much sugar, then your saliva will not neutralize the acid quickly enough, and your enamel will gradually break down. Over a period of months, your weakened enamel may produce a cavity.
Several other disorders occur when teeth lack minerals. First, weakened enamel increases the risk of fractured teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth, but when enamel has been demineralized, teeth are more likely to chip. If your teeth are prone to chipping, then consider treatments to strengthen your enamel. Weak enamel creates conditions like MIH (molar-incisor hypomineralization, found in the first molars and incisor teeth. Commonly considered a global problem, MIH is commonly found in children under 10 and is caused by a lack of minerals during prenatal development. It often presents as yellow discoloration on molar teeth, creating an aesthetic problem and high cavity risk.
A second common disorder is dental fluorosis. Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development often creates enamel defects and discoloration. Mild fluorosis usually appears as white streaks in the teeth, but severe cases can cause brittle and uneven enamel. If left untreated, demineralization progresses to enamel erosion. When the enamel is eroded, it exposes the sensitive inner tissue of the teeth. This causes severe pain and requires dental intervention.
Tooth decay demineralization is caused by acids from bacteria in the dental plaque biofilm, while tooth wear is caused by acids from non-bacterial sources. Both types of demineralization progress unless they are arrested or reversed by remineralization.
How can you remineralize teeth?
Teeth naturally repair themselves through remineralization, a process that reverses acid damage and strengthens enamel. Normally, your teeth should be remineralized naturally through saliva, but sometimes this process does not occur optimally. When your teeth are low in the necessary minerals, it’s time to look at mineralization treatments. Remineralization is painless and can reduce pain and cavities. Mineralized teeth will also produce aesthetic benefits. Demineralized teeth often cause uneven or discolored enamel, so investing in the health of your teeth can create better-looking teeth. There are multiple ways to remineralize your teeth, including both at-home and in-office options.
At-Home Methods
Before seeking dental treatments, assess your lifestyle. You may not need to seek professional help if these at-home methods create significant improvement.
Diet and Supplements:
Sometimes, a slight tweak in diet and environment can be enough to support healthy mineral levels. Prioritize a balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Consuming dairy products, nuts, fish, and leafy greens can significantly improve mineralization over time. If your diet does not contain enough of these nutrients, then you can incorporate these vitamins by taking a daily supplement. Taking a few supplements with meals can strengthen your teeth and balance the damage from acid. The pH balance of the oral environment plays a key role in regulating remineralization. Maintaining a neutral or slightly alkaline pH level through diet and oral hygiene is essential for preserving enamel integrity.
Oral Hygiene
The most important step in treating mineralization disorders is oral hygiene. The basis of all dental care is keeping your teeth clean by flossing and brushing regularly. If you allow acid to remain on your teeth, then your teeth will be at a higher risk for enamel decay.
In-Office Treatments
While at-home methods such as a nutrient-rich diet, good oral hygiene, and fluoride use can support remineralization, professional treatments may be necessary for optimal dental health. Sometimes your teeth require more than a simple change in diet, and our team at Schmitt Dental is here to help!
Dental Treatments
Sealants and professional fluoride applications offer additional protection, particularly for children and those at high risk of decay. Regular dental checkups detect and manage mineralization-related issues early before they cause cavities and pain.
Treatments and Remineralizing Agents
Fluoride significantly assists healthy mineral levels. Treatment options include fluoride varnish, as well as silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Calcium phosphate-based remineralizing agents, such as CPP-ACP, help restore lost minerals.
How Schmitt Family Dental can help you
At your next dental cleaning, ask your doctor for information on how you can keep your teeth healthy. Regular checkups and preventive care help address mineralization issues early, ensuring long-term protection against enamel erosion and decay. Request fluoride treatments during your cleaning, and consider sealants to protect your enamel. Our six Tennessee locations, in Clarksville, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, and Smyrna, are equipped to help you navigate any dental problem. Schmitt Family Dental can treat and prevent mineralization disorders and keep you informed on the best way to protect your dental health.
Conclusion
Tooth mineralization is fundamental to keeping your teeth strong and resilient. For lifelong dental health, maintain good oral hygiene habits and regular cleanings. Early detection plays a vital role in protecting demineralized teeth, so let Schmitt Dental help you take proactive steps to protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile for years to come by scheduling an appointment today!