Tooth enamel is the hard, protective covering on your teeth that keeps them safe from harm. However, enamel can become eroded by harmful bacteria, sugary foods and drinks, carbonated drinks, bruxism (teeth grinding), and more.
While tooth enamel cannot regrow itself, weakened enamel can be strengthened through re-mineralization with products like fluoridated toothpaste, calcium-rich foods, and chewing gums that stimulate saliva production. Other treatments for repairing eroded enamel include tooth bonding and dental veneers.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet it is also vulnerable to tooth decay and damage. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect and repair the enamel, including good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits.
Good oral hygiene practices include brushing and flossing a minimum of twice daily and visiting the dentist every six months. A hygienist can examine your teeth for early signs of trouble and treat it before it worsens. 韓国歯科矯正
In addition to oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that can cause tooth erosion. Sugary and acidic foods allow bacteria to grow in the mouth and break down enamel. Some of these foods include candy, pastries, and soft drinks.
Another way to promote healthy teeth is by eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins. Eating a wide range of foods will increase saliva flow, which can counter acids that wear away at the enamel. Calcium, which is found in dairy foods and some fortified ready-to-eat cereals, helps teeth become strong and resist decay.
If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive than usual, it could be a sign that the enamel is wearing down. This is reversible, but it can lead to cavities or other serious oral health problems if left untreated.
Eat a Healthy Diet 韓国歯科矯正
The best way to keep your enamel healthy is to ensure that your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. That means eating a balanced diet that includes non-acidic foods. Calcium is a good example: it makes your teeth and bones stronger, and it also neutralizes the acids that harm enamel. Dairy products, leafy green vegetables (such as broccoli and kale), soybeans in the form of edamame or tofu, and many other calcium-rich foods are good choices.
Avoiding sugary foods and beverages is another good preventative measure. In addition, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water throughout the day helps promote saliva flow, which hydrates your mouth, washes away food debris, neutralizes acids, and fights bacteria. Treating underlying conditions that may contribute to tooth decay, such as dry mouth or acid reflux, can also help prevent erosion and make it easier for you to keep your enamel strong.
Despite the fact that tooth enamel contains no living cells and cannot regrow on its own, it is possible to repair enamel damage through various methods. The best approach to restoring tooth enamel is to focus on prevention and good oral hygiene habits, which will preserve the existing enamel and prevent further deterioration. If your enamel is already eroded, several treatments can strengthen it and offer protection, such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and porcelain veneers or crowns.
Avoid High-Acid Foods
While acidic foods and drinks have nutritional value, it is important to avoid them to ensure that your tooth enamel stays strong. Too much acid can wear away at your enamel and expose the softer dentin underneath. This makes teeth more sensitive and more susceptible to decay and staining.
Tooth enamel is most vulnerable to erosion when it is exposed to acid on a consistent basis. This can be caused by carbonated beverages, sports drinks and acidic fruit juices. Even if you brush your teeth immediately after consuming these substances, the repeated contact with acid can weaken and damage your enamel.
Certain healthy foods can also be high in acidity, including citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes, tomatoes and tomato products such as salsa dips and pasta sauces. Rather than eating these foods on their own, try pairing them with foods that are lower in acidity such as nuts, cheese, brown rice, bananas and vegetables.
It is also a good idea to drink acidic beverages through a straw, as this will minimize the time they are in contact with your teeth. Also, make sure to finish the beverage in one go rather than sipping it over an extended period of time. Additionally, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after consuming these foods to wash away any leftover acid.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, is the best way to prevent tooth enamel erosion. In addition to this, it is also important to see a dentist every six months for routine dental cleanings and examinations. By combining these visits with a consistent daily oral health regimen, patients can reduce their risk of developing serious dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the human body, but it can still erode due to various factors, including poor oral hygiene, excessive biting and chewing, exposure to acidic foods and drinks, and other lifestyle choices. Once the enamel is eroded, it can become discoloured and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and certain types of dental treatments.
The good news is that while it is impossible to regrow lost enamel, the natural re-mineralization process is constantly occurring and can strengthen and restore existing enamel. In addition to this, consuming plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production. Furthermore, dental treatment options like veneers can provide an extra layer of protection for weakened teeth and help prevent the onset of enamel irregularities. If you have noticed that your teeth are prone to enamel erosion, contact us today at Tempe Smiles Family Dental for further advice and to schedule an appointment.