If you were to look at your tooth enamel under a powerful microscope, you would find that it is composed of tightly packed mineral crystal structures. Each day, the acidic foods and drinks you consume, as well as the natural bacteria in your mouth, can actually erode the density of these mineral crystals.
If this process of demineralization is not countered by some means, it will eventually weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity issues.
Exposing your teeth to fluoride helps to refortify these microscopic minerals in a process is known as remineralization. This effectively helps to reverse tooth sensitivity as well as decrease your chances of developing tooth decay.
If you’ve had issues with sensitivity and cavities from insufficient fluoride, your Richard J. Gawarzewski DMD, PA dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment or fluoride supplements. The fluoride treatment is quick and often times can be performed at the end of your dental checkup. Taking fluoride supplements and brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, can also help to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a brand of toothpaste that includes added fluoride is also a great way to increase your fluoride exposure every day. You might want to also consider making changes to your diet to reduce or cut out acidic foods and beverages.
If you have sensitive teeth, and you feel it’s linked to weakened tooth enamel, you should not delay in contacting Richard J. Gawarzewski DMD, PA’s dental team in Berlin, New Jersey at 856-767-0053 to schedule an appointment.