Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in your body? It has to be, in order to protect the only exposed bones in your body, your teeth. But once it’s gone, it’s not coming back. So it’s important to keep your enamel healthy! Learn about some dental health practices you can use to keep your enamel healthy in this week’s blog.
6 Ways to Keep Your Enamel Healthy
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugars, they create acids that wear away at your enamel. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks if possible. Even artificial sweeteners can lead to the production of these acids, so watch out for these too. Citrus fruits, with their acids on top of sugars, are a double dose of enamel threats.
Eat Enamel Protecting Food
On the other hand, there are foods that are good for enamel. Foods that contain calcium help strengthen enamel, so this means dairy products like milk and cheese are good, but look for law-fat products to keep the calorie count down. Many foods and drinks, such as orange juice, are fortified with calcium.
Don’t Brush Too Hard (or too Soon)
Brushing too hard can wear away at enamel. Use a soft-bristled brush and consistent strokes to brush.
You might think that if you brush right after eating sugary/acidy food, you’re in the clear. Actually, you should wait for up to an hour before you brush. This is because these foods soften your enamel, which makes it easier to damage, for example, by brushing too hard.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste / Rinse
Fluoride is excellent at strengthening your enamel. Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush, and a fluoride rinse for even more protection.
Treat Dry Mouth
Do you find you have dry mouth on a regular basis? This is bad for teeth, because the saliva in your mouth helps counter the effects of acids and sugary foods. Enamel erosion is a common result of chronic dry mouth. If you have chronic dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatment options.
Treat Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common dental habit, though you might not even be aware that you do it. This is because many people grind their teeth at night while they sleep. Grinding will wear down enamel over time. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted tooth guard to wear at night and prevent your teeth from grinding.
Olney Dental can answer all of your questions about enamel and other dental health topics. Call us at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. Also, visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us