Enamel is your teeth's first defense against the different chemicals they are exposed to, which is why it is very important to prevent tooth enamel loss. Even though enamel is one of the toughest substances in the human body, it is susceptible to erosion and abrasion. If a sip of your hot coffee or cold ice cream is painful or if brushing makes you wince, you may be suffering from teeth sensitivity due to enamel loss.
Unfortunately, tooth enamel does not regenerate. It is supposed to last a lifetime, which is why it is important to protect the enamel you have. The following are some of the things you can do to prevent tooth enamel loss:
Tips to prevent tooth enamel loss
1. Kick the soda habit
Soft drinks are refreshing, but they do a lot of damage to your teeth. For starters, most sodas are full of sugar, which contributes to the production of decay-causing bacteria. Even sodas that do not have a lot of sugar are pretty acidic. If you need a refreshing drink, try water or unsweetened tea. When you do drink any of these acidic beverages, use a straw so that the liquid bypasses your teeth.
2. Cut back on the citrus
Citrus fruits are great because they are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Unfortunately, they are also quite acidic. Consuming too many oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can have its toll on your teeth. However, this does not mean that you should give up on these fruits entirely. Take them in moderation and drink some water afterward to rinse out the abrasive juices.
3. Be gentle with your toothbrush
When brushing your teeth, be gentle. Brushing your teeth aggressively can result in enamel erosion. You should also use a brush with soft bristles to ensure it does not damage your enamel.
4. Chew sugarless gum after meals
Chewing gum stimulates the production and flow of saliva, which washes away acid from your teeth and helps protect your enamel throughout the day. Saliva also restores the acid in your mouth to healthier levels.
Ensure the gum you pick does not have sugar to prevent tooth decay. You can also look for chewing gums that have xylitol, as it reduces the levels of acidity in your mouth.
5. Watch the alcohol
Consume alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine in moderation. Certain alcoholic drinks tend to have a lot of sugar, while others, such as red wine, tend to be quite acidic. Both of these substances often cause enamel loss.
Furthermore, alcoholic drinks can be very dehydrating, which means that they will make your mouth dryer and reduce the production of saliva. If you do decide to drink, dilute the effects of the alcohol by sipping water alongside it.
6. Amp up the dairy intake
While certain foods destroy your enamel, others help to strengthen it. One example is dairy products, such as cheese. Cheese is very high in phosphate and calcium, both of which help in the remineralization of enamel. Furthermore, eating cheese increases saliva production, which washes off acidic residue and debris during your meal.
7. Treat certain conditions
Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD bring stomach acids up to your mouth, and this can damage enamel. Conditions such as binge drinking and bulimia are characterized by lots of vomiting, which can damage your teeth enamel after a while. Furthermore, people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth involuntarily, especially during sleep, and this can wear away the enamel. If you have any of this conditions, you should seek treatment from a medical specialist
8. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
Fluoride helps strengthen teeth. Make sure that the mouthwash and toothpaste you use has fluoride listed as one of the ingredients, as it helps prevent tooth enamel loss.
Wrapping up
The best way to protect your tooth's enamel is by making good dietary choices and practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to reduce plaque and decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Drink lots of water and reduce your intake of sugary or acidic foods and beverages.
Call us at (763) 237-3371 for more information from Arden Dental Associates – Carlos Campodonico, DDS or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Blaine.
