Protecting Your Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is incredibly strong, and when it comes to protecting teeth from decay and harmful substances, it plays a critical role in one’s dental health. Even so, tooth enamel can wear away and become weak, particularly when it is repeatedly exposed to certain foods or when oral hygiene is lacking. What’s more, it cannot be replaced, which is why dentists spend ample time educating patients on the importance of preventative dentistry and protecting one’s tooth enamel. Thus, Colgate discusses a few habits that we all should kick to the curb.

To begin, hold back on drinking sugary soda and fizzy, seltzer drinks. These beverages contain acids that, when combined with bacteria in the mouth, wreak havoc on tooth enamel. Similarly, don’t binge on citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Like soda, these fruits are high in acid. As a rule, if you plan on eating citrus, drink water at the same time to help rinse away harmful juices.

As mentioned, we cannot rebuild tooth enamel once it has been lost. However, we can counteract its affects by eating dairy foods. For example, snacking on cheese increases saliva production, which washes away food debris and acidic residue that lingers on teeth and gums. Meanwhile, the calcium from cheeses helps re-mineralize weakened enamel. Also helpful for generating saliva is chewing gum, as long as it is sugar-free.

Perhaps an important consideration before the holidays, make a commitment to drink alcohol in moderation (if you plan to at all). While alcoholic drinks, specifically red wine, are highly acidic, they are also dehydrating. Thus, they cause dry mouth, and this is a double-whammy for tooth enamel if it has already been exposed to harmful acids. To be safe, drink water alongside your beverage of choice.

Finally, although you may feel that heavy brushing is cleaning your teeth better, this is not the case. In fact, aggressive brushing is one of the main causes of tooth enamel erosion. Therefore, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently!

Call To Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today!

At Lawrenceville Family Dental Care, we know that your teeth might be last on your to-do list this month. Yet, we also understand the importance of comprehensive dental care and preventative cleanings to take care of your tooth enamel. That’s why we encourage you to give us a call today to schedule your next dental cleaning. You’ll be glad that you did.

Posted on behalf of Lawrenceville Family Dental Care