Have you noticed that your smile is starting to show signs of aging? Have you ever wondered why this aging process is taking place?
Dental enamel is one of the hardest structures in the body, but it is not impervious to the effects of both environmental and mechanical stresses. Our teeth are constantly being used to help us chew more efficiently or speak more clearly. They are exposed to erosive agents in the food that we eat and drink and to the forces of malocclusion such as clenching or grinding. Add to this, the natural effects of aging.
As time goes by, that beautiful white smile of our youth has changed to a dingy yellow, more transluscent look which may start to show lines and ridges which were not e
vident years before. Along with this “demineralization” process comes sensitivity, risk of cavities, decalcification (or white spots), increased staining, and a more unsightly appearance. Unfortunately, it is this aging process that has caused us to look for a way to naturally restore the teeth to more of a youthful state.
Reversing the “aging process” or
remineralizing the enamel matrix is the challenge at hand. When a tooth demineralizes, the enamel matrix begins to break down, making it less dense and more likely to absorb stains or acids from the food we eat. Finding a product that will be resilient yet compatible with the enamel matrix has prompted researchers to take a new look at the
benefits of fluorides and calcium phosphate products.
Within the last few years a number of products have come into existence to address such a challenge. A combination approach using fluoride and calcium phosphate enriched polishing agents,
in office fluoride applications, and a take home calcium phosphate paste for daily use has proved promising in our continuing quest to find that proverbial “fountain of youth”.
For more information about specific products recommended to stop your smile from showing signs of aging, call 248.357.3100 or visit Dr. Joseph Nemeth & Associates on the web at
http://www.drnemeth.com/.
