Can tooth enamel be regenerated?

A few hundred thousand years ago, Both human teeth and their roots were much larger and more robust than those of today. This deterioration in the attributes of our teeth is believed to be due to tame the fire and its use in food preparation. This new technology meant that the jaw and teeth did not need to bear as much pressure as they had previously when it came to cutting and grinding food.

The next major transformation of our teeth occurred as a result of the enormous technological developments occurring in second half of the 18th century…the one known as "industrial Revolution". This change in the production model allowed us -increasingly- to have access to more food, but of worse quality.

After several hundred years of chewing food every time softer, more acidic and sugaryour teeth they became weaker and weaker. And they have given rise to a series of diseases that separate us from the rest of mammals and, above all, from the humans who preceded us. In the fossils we have preserved of our Homo sapiens ancestors, there are no traces of common conditions today, like cavities, for example. Now our teeth are not even capable of lasting a single lifetime. And to keep them in good condition it is constant and exhaustive care is necessary… something that had not been so important at any other time in history.

Deterioration of tooth enamel

One of the worst additions to our diet that occurred with the industrial revolution was sugar. Or rather, the sugar that can be found in almost all minimally processed industrial foods. Eating sugary foods or drinks, part of the sugar is deposited on the teeth.

This serves as food for the bacteria found in the oral cavity naturally, favoring its development and the formation of dental biofilm. During the development of their metabolic activity, the bacteria present in the biofilm generate acidic waste which corrode and weaken tooth enamel. Now, sugar isn't the only thing that damages our tooth enamel. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, for example, also have a very negative effect on enamel.

the continuous acid wear, as well as the friction of toothbrush bristles and other elements, ends up destroying the enamel of our teeth. It's a slow process... but irreversible. The only materials that can “self-regenerate” in our body are those that are made up of cells and tooth enamel is a tissue that practically does not have cells. Our tooth enamel is made up of hydroxyapatite, a very hard compound but very sensitive to the acids that pass through our mouth. In conclusion, There is no natural way to regenerate enamel of our teeth.

yes there are some clinical treatments for localized injuries, such as those produced by cavities, for example. And these are damages that must be addressed as quickly as possible, because if they cannot continue to advance and affect a larger area of the enamel… or -even- the end affecting other areas of the tooth. These localized demineralizations can be repaired through the use of high concentration fluoride gels or through composite restorations. However still there is no treatment capable of restoring the morphological integrity of the enamel.