Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is built from calcium and phosphate which form crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite. When your saliva ph is over 5.5, minerals flow from the saliva into the enamel and it gets harder. Fluoride is a catalyst which increases the speed at which this happens. Fluoride also combines with the enamel crystals creating calcium fluorapatite, an even harder type of enamel crystal.
Why is this chemistry lesson important to understand? Everyday the enamel on our teeth is subject to an acidic assault. It comes from the acid produced by bacteria in our mouth….the sticky plaque that builds up on our teeth. It also comes from the foods and beverages we consume. Here is a link to a list of common beverages and their acidity levels. You may be shocked.
http://www.mndental.org/client_files/documents/Sugar-Acid_Chart_11-07.pdf
In the presence of acid, at a ph of 5.5 or lower, our enamel “demineralizes” and looses it’s hard crystaline structure. It looses it’s shiny appearance and becomes dull. It becomes porous and is more likely to pick up stain. As the enamel weakens, cavities form in your teeth.
Everyone can benefit from fluoride to help make their enamel harder, shinier and more resistant to decay.
Janice Frederick, DDSMendota Dental
720 Main Street, Suite 213
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-209-9219 www.MendotaFamilyDental.com
