5 Best Practices to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

The enamel of each tooth is one of the most mineralized and hardest substances that is apart of the body. With that being said, it is so important to strengthen the enamel of each tooth regularly. Although this may sound like a hard task to maintain, it is actually rather easy. Strengthening the enamel can be done in various ways, even at home. Many of the common dental routines already include strengthening techniques.

Why strengthening tooth enamel is important

Strengthening the enamel is an important part of maintaining a healthy dental routine because it ensures that the enamel stays strong and healthy. Weak enamel may cause the teeth to be prone to cavities, decay or even loss. When the enamel is worn down, it thins out the outer layer of the tooth causing for sensitivity and immediate attention.

How to strengthen tooth enamel

1. Follow a healthy diet

While it may be hard to believe that someone’s diet can greatly affect the enamel of their teeth, it actually is true. It is important to fuel the body with healthy foods and drinks. Doing so will also ensure great dental health. Fueling the body with only sugary or acidic foods and drinks can be harmful to the entire body, as well as the enamel of the teeth. The compounds in sugar and acid attach to things such as the enamel which will eventually wear it down. Over long periods of time, enamel wearing can be harmful to one’s oral health.

2. Choose a strengthening toothpaste

There are many kinds of toothpaste that are made to aid in the strengthening and repairing of the tooth’s enamel. These toothpastes contain fluoride in them, which helps to remineralize the exterior of the tooth while also aiding in providing strength to the enamel itself. Remineralization of the enamel is vital in maintaining healthy teeth.

3. Avoid teeth grinding

Although teeth grinding typically occurs during sleep, it is actually detrimental to the teeth. Frequent grinding of the teeth will cause wear and tear to the exterior, otherwise known as the enamel. When the top and bottom teeth make forceful contact against each other, it is constantly wearing the enamel down, making the enamel thin out. It may be best to invest in a mouth guard or talk with a dentist to determine the best way to avoid grinding of the teeth.

4. Brush properly

Teeth brushing can actually be detrimental to the enamel if done too harshly. Although, it is the most common way to maintain a healthy dental cycle, brushing too hard or too fast can cause damage to the enamel. It is important to pay close attention to the way that the toothbrush hits the exterior of the teeth. Use a soft toothbrush, the bristles won’t be as harsh on the enamel and it will feel better when hitting the gum lining. Brushing slowly, but efficiently will ensure that the enamel maintains its strength, rather than wearing it thin.

5. Go sugar-free

Whether it’s chewing gum or sucking on mints, the act of consuming items that contain a lot of sugar is one of the biggest ways to ensure that the enamel gets worn down. Strengthening of the enamel can be done through the simple act of chewing gum that is sugar-free or sipping on a sugar-free tea. Avoiding sugary items will aid in maintaining healthy, strong enamel. Sugars eventually tear down the enamel and cause it to become weak, inevitably causing erosion or sensitivity.

Conclusion

Strengthening tooth enamel is an important part of dental routines. Ensuring strength will help in avoiding tooth erosion, decay or even loss. When the enamel is worn down, it causes sensitivity to hot and cold things, making for discomfort.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.