So what are Calcium Phosphate Materials in Dentistry? Calcium Phosphate is a family of materials and minerals containing calcium ions (Ca2+) together with inorganic phosphate anions. Some so-called calcium phosphates contain oxide and hydroxide as well.
Application of Calcium Phosphate Materials in Dentistry
Many advances are being made in dental care and cavity prevention. One of these is the use of a substance called calcium phosphate to heal or reclassify small decaying areas in your teeth. Calcium and phosphate are both natural building blocks for your teeth. Previously these calcium phosphate products had been used more to help patients who were dealing with hypersensitivity issues in their teeth. Now some progress is being made in using these products to treat small soft spots on the teeth that could develop into cavities.
Several manufacturers are now offering products including some form of calcium phosphate. Products such as toothpaste or sugarless gum that include calcium phosphate can be bought over the counter and used to help remineralize soft spots in the tooth’s enamel. These products are especially helpful for people with low amounts of saliva in their mouths. Fluoride is also helpful in the remineralization process. Other forms of calcium phosphate are applied in the dentist’s office to help the affected area reclassify without the dentist having to drill the hole deeper and fill the space with amalgam. This leaves more of the natural tooth in place and protects it from decay.
These products are only helpful if started at the very beginning stages of demineralization and do not take the place of home oral hygiene or reduce the need for regular visits to a dental professional. It is best not to start any new type of dental therapy without first consulting a dentist. Find a general dentist who will discuss your health situation and medical history, review your oral hygiene routine, examine your teeth to determine the extent of existing damage, and help you decide if calcium phosphate will be of benefit to you.
Dental-Consultants.Com is your go-to source for dental information and dental education. If you are thinking about adding calcium phosphate to your oral hygiene routine, use our dental profiles to help find a general dentist or family dentist who can help because Dental-Consultants.Com is “where patients and dentists meet.”
