Tooth enamel is a major tissue that can be found on the surface of our teeth. It covers the crown of our teeth and has the first contact to anything that we eat or drink.
Although considerably made up of strong cells and is the one responsible for protecting the teeth, being bombarded with bacteria can also cause the enamel to weaken, thus starting the decay of the tooth and leading to tooth problems.
Here are 9 tips to keep your tooth enamel strong.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary and sweet food are often the culprit that starts a tooth decay. Not because they are sweet, but because sugary food contains a type of bacteria that attacks and weakens the tooth enamel. When this happens, other bacteria can freely bombard the teeth and start to destroy them. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Eat Foods That Protect Enamel
Maintaining a healthy diet does not only prove to be good for your physical health, it can also maintain your oral health which is good for your entire wellbeing. Invest and eat food that can protect your enamel to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Avoid Over-Brushing
Although brushing your teeth three times a day is advised by many dentists, and is one way to keep your teeth clean and healthy, over-brushing apparently does the opposite. Over-brushing does not only mean brushing your teeth for more than three times, but it also means brushing your teeth roughly which can cause the thinning of the tooth enamel.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a chemical that strengthens the teeth and make it resistant to acid and sugar, thus preventing tooth decay. Toothpaste that are rich in fluoride are best to maintain the teeth enamel and fight away tooth decay and plaques.
Treat Heartburn and Eating Disorders
Oral and dental health depends significantly on the food that we eat. Eating unhealthy food will not only affect our internal health, but also dental and oral health. For instance, heartburn is a sign of acid reflux, and too much acid in your system can weaken the tooth enamel.
Beware of Chlorinated Pools
Chlorinated water can have an imbalanced pH level which can affect your dental health. Tooth sensitivity is one of the major effects of too much exposure to chlorinated water. Chlorine can lead to dental erosion and slow decay of the teeth.
Watch Out for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth happens when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. This condition, which is often a side effect of medication and too much tobacco use, can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay and other types of gum infections. Dry mouth can be treated by specific medication, also depending on the symptoms.
Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth can cause teeth sensitivity which can affect how you eat your food. Not only that, this can also lead to the thinning and weakening of the tooth enamel, and it can destroy the deeper tissues of your teeth as well.
Get Regular Checkups
The best way to keep your tooth enamel strong is to visit your dentist regularly and get regular checkups. Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to a healthy set of teeth.
Children are commonly attacked with tooth decay and tooth problems because their tooth enamel is not as strong compared to adults and because of lack of tooth maintenance. Children enjoy eating candies and sweets a lot. To keep your kids’ teeth strong and healthy, go to a good Paediatric Dentist so that your child can enjoy a problem-free set of teeth and grow up with a bright and white smile.