Our teeth have a complicated structure, but if simply defined: a tooth is composed of two main layers, a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer.

1. What is demineralization and remineralization of teeth?
Our teeth have a complicated structure, but if simply defined: a tooth is
composed of two main layers, a hard outer layer and a soft inner layer.
The outer hard layer is called enamel while the inner soft part is called
the pulp. The pulp is composed of tissues and nerves, whereas the
enamel is composed of the minerals calcium and phosphate. The
enamel protects the inner pulp along with giving a hard structure to teeth for grinding and
chewing. Demineralization is a process in which, the enamel starts losing its minerals and
begins to crumble. As a result, the structure of the teeth starts deteriorating, exposing the
sensitive pulp. Deterioration of enamel, then further leads to extreme sensitivity, increased
accumulation of plaque and even tooth loss. According to dentists in diamond Bar CA,
demineralization is the main cause of tooth decay and cavities.
Natural remineralization and when does it stop?
Just like other parts of the body, out teeth can repair themselves. Demineralization and
remineralization is a natural cycle which occurs on regular basis. As soon as the calcium
phosphate bonds forming the enamel start to break, our saliva carries more calcium and
phosphate to the teeth to repair the bonds. In conditions where the body runs out of minerals,
the oral hygiene is really bad or the plaque becomes resistant, the process of remineralization
slows down or stops all together. This results in tooth decay and cavities.
Which factors lead to demineralization?
Demineralization occurs when the acidity in the mouth increases. After every meal, the acidity
of the mouth increases, because of which, some of the enamel breaks down, but once the
acidity is neutralized, the process of remineralization begins. People who are in a habit of
rinsing their mouth after every meal have a lesser of chance of permanent demineralization
than those who do not. Also, people who regularly use a mouth wash and brush their teeth can
easily neutralize the acidity in the mouth. But, dentists in diamond Bar CA are of the opinion,
that people who have a poor diet that lacks essential minerals, are more susceptible to
permanent demineralization.
Can natural remineralization be restored?
Although it is very difficult to restore deep cavities, tooth decay can be stopped, delayed and
prevented. According to Diamond Bar dentists, it is absolutely possible to make your body
switch back to natural remineralization. The first step towards that is to maintain a healthy diet
which contains calcium rich foods like dairy products. When your body will have enough
calcium, it will start the rebuilding process again. Other than that, one must start using fluoride

2. rich products and start eating fluoride supplements as fluoride encourages the reformation of
calcium phosphate bond. You should also start taking extra care of your oral hygiene routine.
Rinsing your mouth after every meal with plain water or chewing a sugar free gum will lower
the acidity in your mouth.
Diamond Bar dentists can give you special prescription of fluoride supplements and products to
further speed up the process of remineralization.