6 Ways to Protect Your Tooth Enamel

Did you know that the outermost layer of your teeth is essential to protect your teeth from extreme damages? The hard layer also known as your tooth enamel protects the soft and sensitive dentin and nerves inside your teeth. It is essential to safeguard this vital layer by taking the right precautionary measures and opting for timely restorative dentistry solutions to keep teeth sensitivity and decays at bay. Here are some of the best ways to protect your tooth enamel and keep your teeth healthy and strong.

1. Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic beverages and foods such as pickles, alcoholic beverages, aerated drinks, citric juices, and sour candies are responsible for making your tooth enamel soft. Softer tooth enamel is more prone to damages. If you wish to safeguard your tooth enamel and prevent them from eroding, you can avoid or limit consuming such foods and beverages. You can even use a straw to drink acidic beverages to avoid them from coming in direct contact with your teeth.

2. Brush After 45 Minutes of Eating

As mentioned before, soft tooth enamel is more prone to damages and erosion. This means that if you brush your teeth right after consuming acidic foods and beverages, it will only damage your tooth enamel. Therefore, wait for at least 45 minutes before brushing. Your tooth enamel will become rigid again during these 45 minutes, and of course, less prone to wear down.

3. Brush Right

Brushing vigorously can eventually erode your tooth enamel and result in breakdown. Therefore, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, whenever you brush, make it a point to brush only with a fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoridated toothpaste slows down the process of enamel erosion and also helps in building the damaged tooth enamel.

4. Consume More Calcium

If we had to name one nutrient that is necessary for the strength of teeth and jaw bone, we would choose calcium. Calcium also helps in remineralizing tooth structure and protecting the tooth enamel. Dairy products and other calcium-laden foods such as green leafy vegetables help in strengthening overall tooth structure and protect your tooth enamel.

5. Stop Grinding and Clenching

Do you have the habit of unknowingly clenching and grinding teeth? If yes, then your tooth enamel is at the higher risk of erosion. This habit is also known as bruxism. Continuous teeth grinding and clenching can apply pressure on your teeth and eventually result in tooth enamel loss. Hence, avoid grinding and clenching, even if it is an unknowing habit. You can also talk to your dentist and get the right type of mouthguard to avoid unintentional bruxism.

6. Avoid Sugary Foods

Lastly, avoid or limit the consumption of sugary and sticky foods and beverages. Sugary foods and beverages may stick to your dental surfaces if not cleaned properly. The sugar residues feed bacteria that further release harmful acid in your mouth. You already know how acid can affect your tooth enamel. If you think you can’t give up on sugary foods, then make it a point to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming them. Just make sure that no sugary debris is stuck in your mouth.

Are you experiencing teeth sensitivity lately? Or did you spot a tiny cavity developing in one of your teeth? Well then, you shouldn’t avoid these oral problems and visit your family dentist at the earliest. Your dentist will suggest the right restorative dentistry procedure to keep your teeth and tooth enamel healthy.