You may not have heard of the most important part of your tooth, known as enamel, until you had a problem with it. While some damage to your tooth enamel cannot be repaired on your own, there are steps you can take to support and protect it. We’ll cover what enamel is, how to strengthen teeth, and what behaviors to avoid.
How To Strengthen Tooth Enamel?
The hard outer layer that covers the crowns (tops) of your teeth is known as enamel. Interestingly, tooth enamel is the hardest material the human body produces. This vital layer protects the soft inside of your tooth (also known as the pulp) from damage, decay and infection.
Although tooth enamel is a solid material, it can thin over time. If you don’t practice proper dental hygiene or follow an unhealthy diet, bacteria can over time erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities through tooth decay. Additionally, other behaviors can contribute to tooth erosion, damage to your tooth enamel caused by an acidic environment not caused by bacteria.
Causes of weakened enamel can include:
.Wrong dental habits
.Unhealthy diet, especially consuming excessive sugary or acidic foods and drinks
.Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
.Chronic health conditions
.Smoking or using tobacco products
.Acid reflux or vomiting
.Excessive alcohol consumption
.Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia)
.Traumatic injury
It is very important to take care of your tooth enamel, as it does not regenerate on its own like the cells in your bones. Saliva helps protect tooth enamel by mineralizing, neutralizing acidity, and washing out food items, but it will not completely heal it.
You may be wondering how to strengthen the enamel. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support your enamel and prevent further damage; Below we have summarized the four most important tips for you.
Avoid Unhealthy Dietary Options
When it comes to protecting your enamel and long-term oral health, avoiding unhealthy dietary choices is your strongest option. A sugary and acidic environment is exactly what bacteria need to grow in your mouth and break down your tooth enamel, so it’s wise to avoid foods and drinks that feed bacteria.
Both sugary and acidic products are twice as harmful to your oral health if consumed regularly. According to experts, soft drinks are a major contributor to tooth erosion.
Eating habits that can damage your enamel include:
.Too much snacking between meals
.Soda, soft drinks and sports drinks
.Citrus juices such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit
.Candy, pastries and other sweets
.Drinking excessive alcohol
.Chewing ice, non-food items (such as pens and pencils), and hard foods such as peanuts
.Any food or drink with excessive sugar or acidity
.If you eat the treat once in a while, it’s best to rinse it with water or mouthwash to help prevent some of the associated damage. Also, be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible, experts recommend waiting 60 minutes after a meal or snack.
Choose a Diet for Dental Health
Just as some foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay, certain dietary choices are powerful ways to support your enamel and oral health. Options that support your oral health will be rich in nutrients, increase saliva production, promote remineralization or have all of the above!
Healthy eating options for your tooth enamel may include:
.Whole grains
.Fruits and vegetables
.Lean proteins
.Low-fat dairy products
.Water (to stay moist!)
Helpful tip: Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol is also a great way to stimulate saliva production and keep your tooth enamel strong!
Choose Fluoride Products
A variety of products are available to help maintain the health of your enamel, including those that remineralize your teeth. Chief among these are products containing fluoride, a beneficial element that helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Products containing fluoride may contain:
.Tooth paste
.Grind and antiseptic mouthwash
.Water (most tap water contains fluoride!)
If you’re looking for the most effective option available, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist about a concentrated fluoride gel they can apply during a scheduled visit. They will also be happy to provide other vital diagnoses and treatment advice regarding your oral health.
Proper Dental Hygiene
When it comes to your oral hygiene, the best news is that the strongest choices are completely under your control. We discussed the first important choices regarding your diet above. The second is to practice a proper dental care routine.
Oral hygiene tips for properly caring for your enamel may include:
Brush gently for two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Clean between your teeth once a day using dental floss, floss, or an interdental brush
Replace your toothbrush when it is worn or worn
Choose a fluoride toothpaste that hardens enamel
Visit your dentist at least every six months to address oral problems early and prevent long-term damage.
If you’re having trouble making permanent changes to your diet or dental routine, remember that the first day will be the hardest. The longer you maintain your routine, the more habit-forming it becomes and the easier it is to make healthy choices. You’ve taken a tremendous first step by reading about the four best options for the health of your tooth enamel and what you can do.
