How to Protect Your Tooth Enamel in 3 Easy Steps
Keeping your teeth healthy is essential to maintaining a bright and beautiful smile. The surface of your teeth, which is called the enamel, is subject to the daily wear and tear of normal use. However, if you want to keep your teeth strong, your breath fresh, and your mouth healthy, then follow these simple steps to stronger enamel.
Cut back on sugar
Someone once said that everything that tastes good is bad for you. Well, that's never been truer than when it comes to sugar. Sugar isn't all bad, but when consumed in high quantities, it can be devastating to your teeth. Unfortunately, sugar is in everything today (even bread now contains corn syrup).
The sugars from your favorite food and drinks actually feed the bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acids that break down your enamel. When you eat chewy candy, or even hard candy, that sticks to your teeth, the damage can be severe. Unfortunately, even the drinks and foods that have artificial sugars can still be acidic and wear down your tooth enamel. So the best way to protect your teeth is to cut back on the sugar altogether. Of course, if you crack a tooth on a piece of hard candy, you should visit an emergency dentist.
Don't brush excessively
Even though brushing your teeth is meant to protect and clean them, it can actually wear down your enamel over time. If you brush too fast or too hard, then you can significantly speed up the process. Instead, brush your teeth gently in short, back-and-forth strokes. Avoid eating sugary snacks or citrus fruits before brushing your teeth. The acidity can soften the enamel, making it easier for you to damage your teeth. Cavities, chips and other dental issues that cause severe pain should warrant a trip to the emergency dentist to prevent further damage.
Fluoride, fluoride, fluoride
There's a reason your toothpaste, drinking water, mouthwash, and other products contain fluoride. Fluoride helps fight cavities, strengthens your enamel, and mends any damage from early stages of tooth decay. It also helps protect against the acids that can harm your teeth. While you shouldn't have too much fluoride, you should consider using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help maintain the integrity of your enamel.
Sometimes protecting your enamel can be difficult, and you aren't alone. There are many people who suffer from weak enamel and sensitive or damaged teeth. People who feel uncomfortable about their smile or suffer from damaged teeth often hide their smile from the world. In 2015, 20% of adults in the United States had anxiety due to the state of their teeth and mouth. Don't hide your smile for another day. Visit a cosmetic dentist to help you keep your teeth strong and your smile bright.
If you're in need of an emergency dentist or cosmetic dental care in Chandler, AZ, call us today. Our family dental clinic can provide you with the quality dental care you need to feel good about your smile again.