Tooth enamel protects teeth from decay, thus helping to keep your smile bright and healthy. Over time, however, your tooth enamel can wear down from our normal eating and drinking, but there are things you can do to keep tooth enamel strong. Your Fallbrook dentist can provide regular cleanings to assist in caring for your tooth enamel, but you can do more between visits. In this blog, we’ll discuss things that can be done to protect tooth enamel, thus protecting your smile while reducing the number of cavities and associated costs.
Foods that Protect Teeth Enamel
One of the best ways to protect your tooth enamel is through the different foods you eat. You can give your tooth enamel critical minerals to strengthen it with the right choices. Also, avoiding certain foods can reduce the potential damage to your tooth enamel. Foods containing calcium, for instance, will counteract acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay. Some examples are:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Winter squash
- Edamame
- Canned sardines
- Almonds
- Leafy greens – kale, bok choy, spinach, turnip, mustard, collard
Food that weakens teeth enamel
On the other hand, limiting specific foods can help you reduce potential weak spots, which can develop into cavities. Limit sugary drinks and foods – bacteria feed on sugary substances in the mouth, and those bacteria also weaken the enamel. Some foods to avoid include:
- Chewy candies
- Soft drinks
- Lemons
- Grapefruit,
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Apples
As you can see, there are plenty of food options that can have a negative or positive impact on your tooth enamel. By carefully choosing your snacks and meals, you can give your tooth enamel what it needs to stay strong and avoid creating damage your Fallbrook dentist will have to repair.
Overbrushing
Brushing your teeth seems like a no-brainer to protect your tooth enamel. Yet, if it isn’t done correctly, you can put your tooth enamel at risk. How can you brush effectively?
For instance, overbrushing your teeth or brushing them too hard and fast can cause the enamel to wear down. Essentially, you are putting too much pressure on your tooth enamel and could wear it away faster, thus creating spots where bacteria and plaque can start to cause damage. Also, brushing right after eating acidic foods can break down the enamel because you are actually spreading the acid over more of your teeth. Wait at least one hour before brushing when you eat or drink something acidic to lessen the chances of damaging your tooth enamel. Your Fallbrook dentist can give you practical tips to ensure you brush.
Fluoride
The American Dental Association reports that using fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities from forming. Fluoride protects your teeth by making them more resistant to food acids that break down enamel. Fluoride also can remineralize your tooth enamel, thus helping to address potential weak spots. Using mouthwash with fluoride can also prevent cavities and protect the enamel.
Chlorinated pools
If too much chlorine is present in a swimming pool, the water will become top acidic and can damage the teeth when they get wet while swimming. If you are swimming in a highly chlorinated pool, be sure to keep your mouth shut to avoid exposure to the chlorine in the water.
Dry mouth
Having a dry mouth can cause tooth enamel to weaken because the saliva in the mouth helps wash away food and bacteria that may lead to cavities and lessens the effects of acidic drinks. The best way to guard against a dry mouth is to drink lots of water, keep your mouth clean, and rehydrate during and after exercising. If you take medications that cause dry mouth, discuss options to address the issue with your doctor.
Teeth grinding
Some people unconsciously grind their teeth during the night while sleeping or during the day. The act of grinding the teeth can wear down tooth enamel quickly. Talk to your Fallbrook dentist and see if you can get a mouth guard fitted to protect your teeth at night.
Regular checkups
One of the best ways to keep your enamel strong is to visit your Fallbrook dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months. Your Fallbrook dentist will be able to identify weak spots in the enamel and other signs of wear from cavities and tooth grinding before too much damage is done, then put steps in place to address those weak spots and signs of wear.
By eating calcium-rich food, avoiding foods high in acids, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups, your enamel has a good chance of staying strong and lasting for a long time.
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.