Your Olney Dentist Explains How to Keep Your Tooth Enamel Healthy

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance found in your body, but that doesn’t mean it’s impervious to damage. In fact, enamel erosion is an incredibly common in the United States, likely due to our high-sugar diets. Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to preserve your tooth enamel and help it continue to effectively protect your teeth. Learn some tips and tricks in today’s blog.

Your tooth enamel may not be noticeable but it is extremely important.

Your Olney Dentist Explains How to Keep Your Tooth Enamel Healthy

Cut down on the sweets

While we all know sugar-laden foods can cause cavities, they are also problematic for your tooth enamel. This is because when your mouth’s bacteria tries to break down sugars, acids are created that wear down your enamel. Artificial sweeteners can have the same effect so you’ll want to avoid those as well. Citrus fruits can also do a number on your enamel as their sugars are combined with naturally occurring acids, causing a double whammy to your enamel. And don’t forget that fruit juices contain both sugars and acids, making them especially hard on teeth.

Eat calcium rich foods

Foods rich in calcium help to strengthen your tooth enamel so dairy and leafy green vegetables are an excellent choice for dental health.

Brush gently

Toothbrushes with coarse bristles can quickly wear down your enamel, as can over vigorous brushing. Always be sure to use soft bristled brushes and take care to brush gently. Also, be sure to wait an hour before brushing after you consume food that is sweet or acidic as it can soften your enamel and makes it much more susceptible to damage.

Stop grinding your teeth

Teeth grinding is a bad habit that many people share, but sometimes it’s not obvious. If you frequently wake up with headaches, it can be a sign of teeth grinding. In addition to causing serious damage to your teeth, grinding also wears away enamel when it becomes habitual so it is important to nip this bad habit in the bud. Your Olney dentist will be able to fit you with a custom mouth guard that will prevent you from grinding.