---
title: "What Is Remineralization? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Remineralization is the natural repair of early enamel damage when minerals like calcium, phosphate and fluoride return to the tooth surface."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/remineralization
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Prevention and Hygiene

# Remineralization

Remineralization is the natural repair of early enamel damage when minerals like calcium, phosphate and fluoride return to the tooth surface.

Tooth enamel loses minerals when acid attacks it and regains them when conditions improve. The loss is demineralization, and the regain is remineralization. The ADA describes tooth decay as a process of demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues.

Saliva carries calcium and phosphate to the tooth. Fluoride from toothpaste, rinses, or water helps rebuild enamel in a stronger form. The ADA says [fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste) remineralizes enamel in the early stages of decay. Sugar-free gum can raise saliva flow, which may help.

This works only for early damage. Once a [cavity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries) forms a hole, a filling or other treatment may be needed. Your dentist can check for early signs during an exam. See [saliva](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/saliva) and fluoride treatment.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Saliva](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/saliva)
-   [Fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste)
-   [Fluoride treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-treatment)
-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)
-   [Enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel)

## Sources

1.  [ADA: Toothpastes](https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothpastes)
2.  [ADA: Chewing Gum](https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)