Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that protects against decay. While some wearing is normal, acidic foods, sugary treats, and improper mouth care can quickly break down that protective barrier. These tips will help strengthen and maintain your enamel to keep your teeth healthy.
Watch what you eat
When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar and starch in your food to acid. This acid weakens the enamel. Acidic drinks like coffee and soft drinks can make things even worse.
Eating foods that naturally strengthen enamel can help protect against these damaging effects. Milk, cheese, and other dairy has calcium that counteracts acid and strengthens teeth.
Brush right. Brush regularly.
You’ve probably had your dentist tell you to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Regular brushing and flossing helps remove plaque before it hardens and turns into tartar. But proper technique is important too.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush on a 45-degree angle to gently brush with short back-and-forth motions. Each stroke should be only about the width of your tooth. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash will also strengthen your enamel.
Check for fluoride
Fluoride is a natural element that helps strengthen enamel and even reverse early signs of tooth decay. It’s found as an additive in drinking water from local municipalities, but may not always be in bottled water.
Check that your bottled water, toothpaste, and mouthwash contain fluoride to help you naturally strengthen your enamel.
Avoid dry mouth
Saliva is another natural enamel protector. It helps to neutralize acids and wash away food and bacteria in your mouth. To keep up your supply of saliva, chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating.
Drinking plenty of water will also help keep your mouth from drying out so you don’t miss out on the cleaning effect saliva has for your teeth.
Tooth enamel is an essential component of healthy teeth. But luckily, it is possible to keep your enamel strong and even rebuild enamel that has begun to weaken by brushing and flossing regularly, being aware of potentially damaging foods, and maintaining an overall healthy mouth.
Control heartburn
Believe it or not, heartburn can cause problems for your teeth too. Stomach acid backing up into your mouth can pit and damage to your enamel. It’s important to talk to your doctor if heartburn is a chronic issue to avoid damaging your esophagus and eroding your enamel.
To learn more about preventing tooth decay and general mouth health, contact the pros at Dentures Par Excellence. Schedule your appointment today by calling
309-693-7200
or visiting www.denturesparexcellence.com.