Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super strong doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.
Here are some beneficial tips for keeping enamel healthy.
1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks hurt your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.
On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and guard your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!
2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to damage from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, think about teeth whitening and talk to your dentist.
3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is important to communicate with your Phoenix doctor about treatment.
4. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major issue for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you observe either of these issues.
We at Harris Dental want patients to have the best oral health possible, and enamel health is a key component. We love helping patients achieve the dazzling smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, invisible braces, tooth colored fillings, and dental implants.
Harris Dental is currently accepting new patients. Give us a call at 480-428-0040 to make an appointment!
The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/tooth-enamel-damage, accessed on September 18, 2013
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