Every day and every meal, your teeth undergo a process of demineralization and remineralization.
Demineralization is the process by which your teeth lose minerals. Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in the diet you consume, thereby producing acids that wear away the minerals in your teeth.
Remineralization repairs the loss of minerals. It hardens the enamel of your teeth, which softened under the attack of acids. Your body has a natural process to help with that repair and stop mineral loss. This happens when saliva fills tiny cracks created through demineralization. This helps prevent the cracks from widening and enables bacteria to get through, which can ultimately produce cavities.
Fluoride can help with the remineralization process, which is why it is added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and some city tap water.
However, another compound is gaining in popularity: nano-hydroxyapatite. When added to toothpaste, nano-hydroxyapatite forms a barrier on the surfaces of your teeth that repels the sugars and acids that wear away the minerals of your teeth.
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