Tooth enamel protects your teeth from decay and physical damage. Enamel can weaken because of diseases, illnesses, improper brushing and eating foods that are acidic. You’ll want to follow these tips to keep your enamel strong and healthy.
Use Flouride
The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride. Flouride will strengthen your enamel and repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride will make your teeth more resistant to acids that come from foods and bacteria in your mouth. By rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash that contains fluoride, you can reduce the risk of cavities and keep your enamel strong.
Limit the Amount of Sugar You Consume
Acid forms in your mouth by consuming sugar. When acid forms, it can soften and damage your enamel. Soft drinks contain an excessive amount of acid. If you feel like you can’t avoid drinking soft drinks, you should try to drink soft drinks that have artificial sweeteners. Even though soft drinks with artificial sweeteners are acidic, it’s a better option compared to soft drinks that have natural sugars.
If possible, you should try to drink plain water. Keep in mind that many flavored bottles of water are acidic.
Consume Foods that Protect Enamel
Milk, cheese and other dairy products can help protect and strengthen your enamel. If you don’t eat dairy products, you should look for foods that contain calcium.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
You should brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove and kill bacteria. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria growth will damage your enamel and cause cavities. You should brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes at a time, and floss your teeth once per day.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
A good way to remove food debris from your mouth is to rinse it after you eat. You should swish clean water around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
If you brush your teeth too hard or too fast, you may be damaging your enamel. While brushing your teeth, you’ll want to position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while using short strokes. Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Final Words
Unfortunately, your tooth enamel can’t grow back after it’s been damaged or destroyed, but you can use these tips to strengthen weak enamel to stop further erosion.
