Tooth Enamel Care
Tooth enamel happens to be the hardest substance in your body, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be penetrated or damaged. It is very important that you take the steps required to keep your enamel strong and healthy so that your teeth can benefit as well. This is because enamel acts as the defensive shield against acid and bacteria. Despite being a very strong barrier, enamel is unable to be repaired or replaced once it is penetrated. This is why you should follow the steps below on a regular basis to ensure the health and longevity of your teeth.
Monitor Your Food and Beverage Consumption
Foods that are high in sugar, starch, or acids have the most negative effects on your enamel. These foods can cause your enamel to weaken to the point that it will begin to erode if you consume too many of them. You can counteract their effects with foods that are high in calcium, as these are known to neutralize acids which will minimize their presence in your mouth. Calcium is found in large quantities in dairy, beans, sardines, and leafy greens.
Soda is one of the worst offenders when it comes to damaging your enamel, so you should avoid it as much as possible. Other sugary drinks like juice are almost as bad. If you must drink these beverages, try to use a straw to minimize the contact with the front of your teeth.
Practice Regular Basic Dental Care
Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and rid your teeth of harmful bacteria that can eat away at your enamel. Make sure to brush lightly as not too weaken your enamel. Using too much force can lead to erosion of your enamel over time. It is best to allow the brush to glide over your teeth.
Drink Water
Water is essential to your health in many ways, but you may not know that it is also important in protecting your enameThis l. When you drink water, you get rid of food debris and help yourself to produce more saliva. saliva has properties that can kill bacteria. It also contains calcium and phosphate which are key in helping maintain the health of your enamel.
Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
Seeing your dentist twice a year is very important, even if your teeth are in great shape. A professional can notice unhealthy patterns and problems in their infant stages and let you know what you need to do to prevent any further damage. An expert cleaning provides more in-depth care than you can do at home, so it is important to schedule them regularly. If you notice any abnormalities in your enamel, you should set up an appointment immediately with Mountain Park Dentistry, even if your next scheduled visit isn’t for several months. Our dentist will be happy to help you take care of your enamel!