Reviewed by Dr. Christopher Tai, D.M.D. Wilmington, DE.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar on our teeth live and grow by consuming the foods and carbohydrates we eat. Most carbohydrates are broken down to form lactic acid and other strong acids. These strong acids dissolve (demineralize) tooth enamel and eventually cause cavities. Early stages of demineralization can show as white porous spots on tooth enamel. If the tartar, plaque, and lactic acid are not removed, these white spots will continue to demineralize and become cavities.
One of the main purposes of saliva is to repair damaged tooth enamel. As saliva flows over tooth surfaces, it deposits minerals that repair the enamel surface by a process called remineralization. As tooth enamel is demineralized, the white porous spots will fill in, become smaller, and eventually disappear. This remineralization process occurs naturally unless tartar and plaque block the flow of saliva onto and over the damaged tooth enamel surface.
TartarEnd® toothpaste plays a major role in supporting enamel remineralization. It achieves this by removing tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces, allowing saliva to flow over and demineralize clean tooth enamel.
