Tooth enamel is the outer shell of the crown part of the tooth, which protects the crowns from the aggressive effects of microbes, bacteria, temperature changes and other negative factors. The thicker and stronger the tooth enamel, the more reliable the protection.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, which is explained by a high degree of mineralization: with a water content of 3%, the proportion of inorganics reaches 97%. In different areas where the dental crown is located, the enamel has a certain thickness - on the sides of the teeth the enamel is thicker, on the chewing side it is slightly thinner, and the thinnest coating is located at the gingival edge.
Over time, the thin enamel layer of the tooth wears off (the process is especially accelerated with insufficient oral hygiene), chips and cracks form on the enamel, tooth sensitivity increases, patients react sharply to hot and cold, sweet and sour. At the same time, the enamel is not able to recover on its own, and if you do not react in time, the situation can end catastrophically for the tooth - it will begin to decay. Restoration and restoration of teeth will become necessary.
Why teeth and enamel are destroyed - possible reasons
The tendency to carious processes may be due to genetic prerequisites, disruptions in the endocrine system, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract and other internal factors. But these are not all possible reasons that provoke the rapid destruction of enamel and even dentin. The following phenomena contribute to pathological processes:
- heavy plaque, supra- and subgingival deposits as a result of insufficient and irregular hygiene, violation of teeth brushing technique,
- caries and non-carious lesions,
- malocclusion and, as a result, pathological abrasion,
- unbalanced diet, namely abuse of sweet and carbohydrate foods, foods high in acids,
- sudden temperature changes in food and drinks,
- frequent drinking and smoking,
- mechanical damage,
- long-term drug therapy.
There are many factors that affect the condition of teeth.
Does enamel often weaken due to sudden hormonal changes? for example, during pregnancy. During this period, it is extremely important for expectant mothers to pay close attention to the health of their teeth and gums, ensure a constant supply of beneficial vitamins and microelements to the body, maintain hygiene and not skip visits to the dentist for preventative measures.
How does calcium deficiency manifest itself?
An irresistible urge to chew chalk is a classic symptom of calcium deficiency. But even if you don’t think about anything like that, your body can still send appropriate signals.
The following symptoms will help diagnose a deficiency: increased bone fragility, caries, periodontitis and crumbling of teeth, muscle spasms and cramps, numbness of the limbs, a feeling of “crawling” in the fingers, back and neck pain, abnormal heart rate, difficulty concentrating.
If one or more of these symptoms is detected, you should consult a doctor: he will help you adjust the diet of the expectant mother.
The recommended daily intake of calcium for a pregnant woman is 1300 mg, and for a nursing woman - 1400 mg. The absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine is facilitated by vitamin D, which is produced under the influence of sunlight and can also be obtained from food. Taking into account the peculiarities of our climate, in addition to daily walks, the doctor may prescribe medications containing this vitamin to a pregnant or nursing mother.
Read our article for useful information on preventing calcium deficiency.
When is it time to start strengthening your teeth and gums?
Maintaining oral health is necessary throughout life, and care must begin from a very early age, and in many ways this is the responsibility of parents. But there are situations that literally leave no choice. In such cases, additional measures cannot be avoided to prevent complete destruction or loss of teeth. The following are the main indications for strengthening teeth and gums:
- the smile has noticeably turned yellow, a plaque has appeared,
- discomfort or even pain occurs when eating,
- enamel reacts sharply to mechanical stimuli, temperature changes in food, sour, salty and sweet - the main signs of hyperesthesia,
- crowns are visible along the cutting edge line,
- visible defects appeared: chips, scratches and microcracks,
- all signs of carious processes are present.
A sharp reaction of teeth to cold and sweet foods may be an indicator of their strengthening.
Procedures aimed at restoring and strengthening the hard tissues of the oral cavity are also prescribed as part of the complex treatment of a wide variety of dental diseases. These include inflammatory diseases of the gums and periodontal tissues (gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease as its complication), and neoplasms in the thickness of the mucous membrane, and many other pathological conditions that require full attention.
Signs in the presence of which you need to think about strengthening
You should ask a qualified dentist how to strengthen your teeth if:
- the enamel has acquired an unsightly yellow or gray tint, which is why the smile begins to look less aesthetically pleasing than before;
- when eating sour, sweet, or spicy foods, sharp dental pain periodically appears;
- the coronal part has become transparent in the area of the cutting edge;
- pain occurs when biting and chewing hard foods;
- chips and cracks appeared;
- rapidly progressing caries developed.
In all these cases, you need to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct a simple diagnosis and determine what caused the problem, and select medications that will improve the condition of the enamel.
Foods that are good for enamel and gums
One of the main conditions for oral health is proper nutrition. It is important to diversify your daily diet with foods rich in healthy vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. As for strengthening enamel, experts strongly recommend the following products:
- seafood is the main source of fluoride,
- dairy products high in calcium,
- nuts, in particular pine nuts, almonds, cashews,
- kiwi with a high content of vitamin C - unlike many citrus fruits, kiwi is less chemically irritating to the enamel, but saturates it with beneficial vitamins,
- fresh greens as another powerful source of vitamin C, which also helps strengthen the oral mucosa,
- raw fruits and vegetables - at the moment of biting into the fruit, a natural cleansing of bacterial plaque occurs. In addition, these products are rich in beneficial vitamins and microelements,
- Honey is a natural antiseptic and a source of a huge amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body.
Proper nutrition is an important condition for oral health.
It is equally important to give up bad habits such as smoking and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is better to limit sugary sodas and sour foods. To keep your teeth intact and healthy for as long as possible, it is recommended to give up the habit of gnawing on seeds and nuts.
Oral hygiene rules - recommendations from experts
To strengthen the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, it is important to ensure a high level of hygiene. Preventive measures should be mainly aimed at combating thinning and hyperesthesia, mobility of elements and inflammation of periodontal tissues.
Thus, regularity in daily cleaning is not the only condition for maintaining health. It is equally important to perform the procedure correctly and use the correct brush and paste for this. It is better to consult your dentist on this matter, since only a doctor will be able to give an accurate assessment of the current state of the oral tissues, and therefore choose the right direction in prevention.
Proper dental hygiene is important to maintain your smile.
As additional measures, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory rinses, soothing and strengthening gels for gums, the use of floss after meals and an irrigator as part of daily hygiene are often recommended. Once every six months, you must visit a dentist for a preventive examination and a hygienist for a comprehensive professional examination. hygiene: removing plaque, supra- and subgingival deposits, mineralization of hard tissues and strengthening gums.
Procedures to strengthen enamel in dentistry
In dentistry, special concentrated formulations with a high mineral content are used for this purpose. As part of complex treatment and recovery, special fluoridated toothpastes are often prescribed, recommendations are given regarding the permissible hardness of a toothbrush and adherence to a certain diet. Popular procedures aimed at increasing the density and strength of enamel are described below.
Remineralization procedure
An integral and very first stage is prof. hygiene – this procedure involves removing plaque and subgingival deposits, as well as strengthening the gums and hard tissues. For the latter, fluoridation and remineralization are required - this can be a one-time procedure or a course of 3-4 sessions, depending on the condition of the enamel. Compositions saturated with calcium, fluoride and other beneficial substances are applied to the surface of the teeth. Remineralization can be prescribed for both adults and children from 6 years of age - according to indications.
How is fluoridation carried out?
This procedure is often carried out simultaneously with remineralization, since fluoride promotes better absorption of calcium. In this case, it is assumed that hard tissues will be treated with special fluorine-containing compounds that nourish the enamel and saturate it with the mineral necessary for strengthening. In regions where there is a deficiency of fluoride compounds in tap water, this procedure is especially necessary.
Fluoridation will help strengthen tooth enamel
“After whitening, my enamel became very sensitive. It happened that I was brought to tears if I took a sip of hot tea. I couldn’t stand it then and, on the advice of a friend, went to her dentist. He immediately told me that, apparently, they had gone too far, and now the teeth need to be restored. He prescribed special rinses and performed fluoridation. Soon it all went away, but I definitely won’t dare to bleach again...”
MargoFil, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum
As a preventative measure, fluoridation is carried out every six months. If necessary, the procedure is repeated more often. There is a simplified home version - surface fluoridation without filling the tubules. It can be carried out every month, and special gentle compositions are used for this.
Treatment and prosthetics
To treat pathological conditions that have led to a weakening of the enamel layer, along with fluoridation and remineralization procedures, special gels, pastes and rinses are prescribed. If you have specific symptoms, it is not recommended to choose such remedies on your own; you should definitely consult your dentist about this.
In some cases, not only restoration is required, but also covering the resulting defects. Such measures are necessary when there is a risk of damage to the dentin of the incisors or molars. To do this, they resort to composite building using the direct method (artistic restoration), to the installation of veneers or lumineers. In the most advanced cases, it is necessary to grind down the living tooth and install a crown.
You can strengthen your teeth with veneers
Silvering of teeth
Baby teeth are susceptible to caries and, when damaged, are destroyed much faster than adult permanent teeth. Children are often prescribed a procedure such as silvering of enamel - silver nitrate is applied. The procedure is effective not only as a prevention of caries, but also in its initial manifestations, since the active substance actively destroys bacteria and creates a strong protective film around the tooth. The only drawback of silver plating is that the baby’s teeth may turn black, which will lead to aesthetic problems.
Review of gels with remineralization effect for home use
Today, pharmacies have special gels in their assortment - to strengthen teeth, gums, get rid of hyperesthesia, inflammation and bleeding. It is better to start using such products after consulting with your dentist. Below is an overview of popular products for strengthening enamel and gums.
Gel ROCS Medical Minerals
A product with a remineralizing effect. Helps nourish the protective layer of dental tissues, saturating it with phosphorus, calcium and magnesium ions. After application to the enamel, it forms a kind of protective coating that prevents the negative effects of external aggressive factors. Xylitol in the composition normalizes the balance of microflora in the oral cavity. There is also a product designed specifically for use in children. The gel does not contain fluoride and is approved for use immediately after the appearance of primary incisors.
The cost of a 45 g tube will be about 400-450 rubles.
LACALUT fluor Gel
Regarding what else can be used to strengthen the enamel, many experts agree on the high effectiveness of LACALUT fluor Gel. The product contains sodium fluoride and amino fluoride. The combination of these substances promotes the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the crowns, stimulates restoration processes in the presence of chips and microcracks, as well as signs of pathological abrasion. Effectively fights hyperesthesia and also removes bacteria and plaque.
Price for a volume of 30 ml – 300-350 rubles.
GC Tooth Mousse
The mousse contains beneficial minerals and casein. By reacting with saliva, the active components are activated, forming a protective film on the surface of the enamel. It is not recommended to wash off the product for at least 7-10 minutes after application. The drug helps compact the surface layer and at the same time provides an excellent antiseptic effect. Recommended for use in combination with gum products of the same brand.
The approximate cost of the product (35 ml) is 1300-2000 rubles.
Protefix dental gel
According to the manufacturer, the product has a complex effect, promotes the restoration and saturation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The active components of the gel stimulate the regenerative properties of living tissues, effectively relieve inflammation and disinfect. Recommended for use if there are signs of inflammation in the gums.
Approximate price for 10 ml – 220-250 rubles.
Gel "Apident Active"
The domestically produced drug is not inferior in quality to its foreign analogues. It contains only natural plant ingredients, in particular propolis, bee venom, extracts of calendula, yarrow, sage, chamomile and fir. The product has a pronounced bactericidal effect on mucosal tissue, promotes their restoration and strengthening at the cellular level.
The cost of gel in a volume of 30 g will be about 200-250 rubles.
Pastes and gels
At home, a person can strengthen enamel by using high-quality dental pastes and gels. Particularly valuable are compositions that include the following components:
- Fluorine. It is better absorbed when presented in the form of sodium fluoride or amino fluoride. Passing through the outer layers of enamel, these components react with hydroxyapatite, the main substance that makes up the upper shell of the tooth. As a result, a strong connection is formed that is not susceptible to the negative effects of bacteria and acids that cause caries. On an ongoing basis, a person can use products containing 1000 ppm of fluoride. If the doctor has prescribed a treatment course for weakened enamel, this indicator can be increased to 1500 ppm. In this case, the drug will also exhibit remineralizing properties. But it is suitable only for course use. If the packaging says that fluoride contains more than 1000 ppm, you should not use the product without consulting a doctor. Such amateur activities often result in fluorosis, a very unpleasant dental disease associated with an excess of fluoride in the body.
- Hydroxyapatite. An excellent remineralizing component. Helps to qualitatively strengthen dental tissues at home. It quickly integrates into the crystal lattice of hard tissues. Even eliminates caries at the spot stage. The compound fills all the small cracks and makes the crown part absolutely smooth, resistant to the destructive effects of bacteria and microbes.
- Amorphous calcium phosphate, glycerophosphate. These substances have the unique ability to form a kind of protective film on the surface being treated. It strengthens the enamel and protects the unit from the destructive influence of harmful factors. It is important to know that these two components are contraindicated for people who are allergic to milk protein.
Natural plant extracts. There are a lot of pastes with plant extracts on sale. Natural ingredients such as propolis, chamomile, sage, lavender, yarrow, and oak bark have proven themselves to be excellent. Of course, they are not as effective as the above-mentioned chemical components. But they have a good effect on the condition of the gums, relieve increased bleeding and provide reliable prevention of gingivitis.
If you are looking for something to strengthen your teeth, then start with professional hygiene. This procedure will prepare the dentition for further activities. Immediately after hygiene, ask your doctor what products he will recommend for you. This approach to therapy is the most effective and completely safe.
Which vitamin complex to choose?
At the present time, it is quite difficult to ensure an uninterrupted supply of vitamins and micronutrients in sufficient quantities through nutrition alone. To maintain immunity and prevent any pathological processes in the body, you have to periodically take a course of vitamins. To do this, you should choose only high-quality and proven complexes. According to expert reviews, the following two drugs, described below, have worked well.
Complex "Calcium D3 Nycomed"
The drug contains bioavailable calcium and vitamin D3 - cholecalciferol. These substances are virtually indispensable for the formation of healthy bone tissue and, accordingly, tooth enamel. The product ensures the formation of a kind of membrane that stimulates cell regeneration and renewal. The complex ensures mineralization of dental tissues from the inside, helps restore gums, nourish them and increase elasticity. Recommended for periodic use from the age of 5 in the dosages specified in the instructions.
The cost of packaging (60 pcs.) is 330-350 rubles.
Vitamins "Centrum Silver"
The multivitamin complex offers a whole range of macro- and microelements beneficial to the body with high digestibility rates. These include substances such as betacarotene, retinol, colecalciferol, ascorbic and folic acids, B vitamins, biotin and other elements important for health. The drug helps restore mineral metabolism in the body, including strengthening hard tissues and the oral mucosa.
Approximate price (30 pcs.) – 500-550 rubles.
Remineralization
If your child has white chalky spots on the enamel, this indicates the first stage of caries development, which means the enamel needs to be strengthened. At this stage, it is still possible to avoid more complex and psychologically inconvenient procedures for children, for example, such as drilling teeth with a drill. As a rule, in this case, a course of procedures is prescribed with an interval of one day. An application is carried out using a medicinal product, which contains flor, calcium and other microelements. To consolidate the results, it is recommended to repeat the course after a few months.
Review of strengthening toothpastes
In some cases, experts recommend using strengthening pastes. They are offered as maintenance therapy or prevention of caries and other pathological conditions related to enamel health. The products presented below have proven themselves excellent in this regard.
LACALUT Aktiv and Sensitive
A popular brand of quality oral care products. Thanks to the wide range, everyone can find a suitable product for themselves. Pastes from the Aktiv and Sensitive series contain aluminum lactate, which stimulates the restoration and strengthening of hard tissues. These products are classified as preventative, but the company also produces a wide range of medicinal pastes designed for different clinical cases.
Approximate cost (75 ml): Aktiv – 200 rubles, Sensitive – 220 rubles.
Silca, Herbal Complete paste
The product is focused on restoring gum tissue and supporting enamel health. An excellent option for high-quality caries prevention (due to the combination of sodium fluoride and urea), as well as for those who suffer from hyperesthesia. The active components of the paste reduce sensitivity and provide surface remineralization. It contains natural extracts of calendula, chamomile, sage, yarrow, as well as vitamin E, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
The price of a 100 ml tube is 100 rubles.
SPLAT "Lavandasept"
Preventive paste with natural ingredients: essential oils of lavender, thyme and rosemary. The product has excellent antiseptic properties and provides good prevention of caries and inflammatory gum diseases. After its use, a thin protective film is formed on the teeth, preventing the intense formation of bacterial plaque.
The cost of 100 ml will be approximately 150 rubles.
Fissure sealing
Teeth that are not affected by caries and have softened enamel are coated with a protective sealant that contains fluoride. The composition is slightly softer than a filling; it is used to fill fissures (small depressions on the chewing surface of the teeth), after which they are illuminated with a halogen lamp, under the influence of which the sealant hardens. So it reliably protects teeth from caries and damage for 2-3 years. The procedure takes no more than half an hour. It is recommended for those children who have very large grooves on their teeth, otherwise bacteria will accumulate in them, which will lead to caries.
Traditional medicine tips
To prevent caries and non-carious lesions, you can from time to time resort to traditional medicine. But before you try another recipe on yourself, it is better to consult a dentist and rule out possible contraindications. The most effective and safest tips are described below.
Saline solution
Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with the resulting solution. The product has a pronounced antiseptic effect, helps to relieve acute inflammation and reduce pain in pathological conditions.
Oak bark decoction
An effective remedy for restoring gums is prepared using oak bark - it can be purchased at any nearest pharmacy. It is advisable to add linden blossom to the crushed bark in a ratio of 1 to 1. Pour a teaspoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for about an hour. After this time, the broth should be filtered and used for its intended purpose up to three times a day.
Gargling with a decoction of oak bark will help in treatment
Propolis tincture
For preventive purposes, you can use an aqueous solution of propolis tincture - for rinsing and applying to the brush. Propolis balls are perfect as medicinal chewing gum. The product has a pronounced bactericidal effect, helps reduce the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and restore the balance of microflora.
The photo shows propolis balls
Beeswax gum
To prepare this product, mix honey, beeswax, lemon juice and peppermint oil in a glass container in a water bath. Next, you need to let the resulting mixture cool until it hardens a little. Then the chewing gum should be cut into small pieces and used for its intended purpose several times a day. An additional effect is pleasant fresh breath.
Medicinal salad recipe
First you need to soak the seaweed in warm water and squeeze it out a little. Next, add basil seasoning and chopped sage. The salad should be chewed thoroughly for 15 minutes, and then it can be swallowed or spat out. This is a great alternative to cleansing after eating or consuming highly acidic foods.
Seaweed is a great alternative to brushing your teeth
What do doctors think about home remedies for strengthening teeth?
Dentists have always been approving of home methods for preventing thinning enamel and gum inflammation, but only if they take a reasonable approach. Before starting any manipulations, you need to visit a doctor and make sure that you do not have any pathological phenomena that require professional help. Otherwise, you risk aggravating the situation with your own hands and leading to the development of even more serious complications.
To strengthen your teeth and gums, it is important to follow the recommendations of your dentist, maintain hygiene, use toothpastes, gels and rinses prescribed by a specialist, eat right and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. But it is better to give up alcohol and tobacco forever. Maintaining the balance of oral microflora and the health of the body as a whole is the main condition for strong teeth and a beautiful, healthy smile.
Diagnosis of gum disease in children
A routine oral examination should be performed by a pediatric dentist every six months. And as necessary, if a small patient exhibits any deviations in the development of teeth or symptoms of disease of the oral mucosa. Since it is advisable to diagnose the inflammatory process at the earliest stage.
If redness, swelling and bleeding are detected, the cause of which is an excessive amount of soft plaque or food debris on the teeth, the dentist will make a diagnosis and prescribe procedures.
If a bacterial infection is suspected, a clinic specialist can take biomaterial from the inflamed areas of the gums for clinical tests. Based on the results of the analysis, the specialist prescribes a treatment plan and the date of the next appointment to ensure the final recovery of the little patient.
