The surface of your teeth is known as enamel and taking care of it is an essential part of dental care. It helps protect your teeth from decay. Some wear and tear on your teeth are expected over time, but there are many things within dental care you can do to keep your tooth enamel strong.
Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar that is found in foods and drinks. The bacteria then make acids, which can cause your enamel to wear and soften. Chewy candy that sticks to your teeth can damage your enamel, as can the high amount of acids in regular soda. For this reason, a wiser choice is to drink sodas made with artificial sweeteners, but keep in mind that these are also acidic and lead to the wear of your enamel.
Calcium in food fights against the bacteria in your mouth that lead to decay. Calcium also strengthens your bones and teeth.Dairy products such as milk and cheese help strengthen and protect your enamel. You can opt for low-fat or fat-free items if you are concerned about the caloric content of these foods.If you do not eat dairy, you can look for foods that have added calcium.
You can put extra wear on your enamel if you brush too fast or too hard. You should hold a soft-bristled brush at about a 45-degree angle to your gums and then move it back and forth using short, gentle strokes that are about the length of one tooth.You should wait up to an hour to brush your teeth after you eat sweets or citrus fruits. Acidic foods can soften your enamel and make it more prone to damage.
Fluoride can strengthen your enamel and help repair the damage done by the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride also makes you more resistant to harmful acids formed by bacteria and food. It's a good idea to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash because they can help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.
If you suffer from severe heartburn, stomach acids may escape and rise into your mouth, where they can weaken enamel. Bulimia is also a threat to your enamel.Talk to your doctor to treat these illnesses if you have them.
When a swimming pool is not correctly chlorinated, the water may become too acidic. This can damage your teeth if you get water in your mouth.
Saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities, and it fights off the effects of acidic foods. You should drink water often to keep your mouth moist.
If you exercise hard, be sure to drink plenty of water during and after your workout. You may also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy to promote salivation.
Some medical conditions and medications are known to cause dry mouth. It's a good idea if you talk to your doctor about these issues.
You may grind your upper and lower teeth together, especially at night. This causes unnecessary wear on your tooth enamel.Your dentist can make you a custom-fitted nightguard to wear while you sleep that will protect your teeth from the wear of grinding them together.
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of dental care. You should have a checkup and professional cleaning done every six months.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
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