Tips to Strengthen Your Enamel
Strong tooth enamel is one of the keys to a healthy smile. Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it can be damaged over time by normal wear and tear, poor oral hygiene, chronic teeth grinding and clenching, and more. It’s important to protect your tooth enamel while you can, because once it’s gone, it won’t grow back.
Here are some tips to strengthen your enamel and safeguard your smile:
1. Follow a Good Oral Hygiene Routine at Home
Daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your tooth enamel healthy and strong. Oral bacteria feed on leftover food particles and produce acid, which erodes your tooth enamel. Brushing helps remove food particles and accumulated bacteria to reduce your risk of demineralization, bad breath, and gum disease.
2. Choose Healthy Foods & Beverages
In addition to a good oral hygiene routine, your diet also has a major impact on your smile. To keep your enamel strong, regularly consume foods and beverages that contain calcium and vitamin D like cheese, yogurt, almonds, milk, oranges, leafy greens, and mushrooms.
3. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Bacteria feasts upon your dietary sugar to produce acidic toxins that harm your teeth and gums. While it’s OK to enjoy a sweet treat every now and then in moderation, eating lots of sugary treats can lead to weakened enamel, tooth sensitivity, cavities, and gum disease.
4. Remineralize with Fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel through a process called remineralization. Depending on where you live, you may get fluoride by drinking tap water. A fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or treatment at the dentist can also help keep your enamel strong.
To ask our team any questions about your tooth enamel or to schedule your next appointment at our office, please contact us today!