As a
family dentist, I know that while your pearly whites are meant to look pretty, they’re also supposed to be tough as nails.
Your family dentist wants you to take sensible steps to preserve the tooth enamel that is so vital in protecting your teeth.
What makes them so tough? It’s the outer surface of the tooth – the enamel. Tooth enamel protects our teeth from decay while we use them for their intended purpose – biting and chewing. They also help keep our teeth from being sensitive to hot and cold food.
And while enamel is mighty strong – the hardest substance in the body, in fact – it can break down. In fact, as you get older some erosion is likely. But there is plenty you can do to preserve your enamel. Consider these three basic tips:
Drink lots of water. Water is beneficial in so many ways. First, it is a more desirable substitute than acidic beverages or sugary soft drinks that serve to erode enamel over the long run. Drinking water often also helps you guard against dry mouth and low salivary levels. Generating a sufficient amount of saliva is necessary because saliva neutralizes acidic substances and helps to wipe away cavity-causing bacteria.
Consume calcium. Calcium is a vital mineral for maintaining your bones (including your tooth enamel). Plus it’s a great neutralizer for counteracting acids in your mouth. So dairy products such as cheese and milk are good for strengthening enamel. And while it’s probably not feasible to expect that you would give up acidic beverages entirely, at least strive for those with added calcium (such as orange juice with added calcium).
Be gentle when you brush. First, use a soft toothbrush and don’t brush too vigorously, because if you brush too hard you could wear down your tooth enamel. Also, it’s good to wait to brush your teeth after eating sweets or acidic fruits, as these foods soften the enamel and brushing right after eating could cause erosion. Wait about an hour for the enamel to harden back up before you brush.
Of course, it’s a given that you should brush at least twice a day with a good fluoride toothpaste and see your family dentist twice a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked out. Your family dentist will be able to detect warning signs of tooth enamel erosion and make recommendations for addressing any potential problems.
Of course, if you’re looking for a family dentist in the Reynoldsburg or Columbus areas, now’s the time to explore the services that we can offer you. Want to meet us? Then schedule a free consultation today.