The Toothache That Changed My Life

Preserving the enamel that protects your teeth is important to maintaining the healthy appearance of your teeth. If the enamel wears off of your teeth, they will be more susceptible to stains and cavities. They will also be weaker and more prone to chipping and sensitivity to hot and cold foods. 

The following are five tips to keep in mind if you want to keep the enamel on your teeth healthy:

Consume a lot of water

Consuming water helps protect tooth enamel because it helps to fight dry mouth and promotes saliva production. When saliva makes contact with the teeth, it replenishes them with minerals and nutrients that keep the enamel strong and prevent tooth decay. 

Get your calcium

Calcium from dairy products is an important nutrient for every bone in the body. It's also important for preserving the enamel on the teeth. Not only do dairy products replenish calcium, but they also help to neutralize acids in the mouth that can cause tooth enamel erosion. 

Brush carefully

Many people incorrectly assume that the harder you brush, the better. In fact, it's important not to brush the teeth too hard, because excessively thorough brushing could cause enamel to wear away.

It's a good idea to brush using a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent tooth enamel from becoming worn down. It's also important to be gentle and avoid brushing too vigorously.

Some dentists recommend that patients wait a while before brushing after consuming acidic fruits or sugary foods. Brushing sugar or acidic substances into the teeth could cause erosion of tooth enamel. 

Clean your teeth after consuming acidic foods and beverages

Foods that are particularly acidic can wreak havoc on the the tooth enamel. Dentists recommend that patients carefully clean their teeth after consuming substances such as wine, oranges, lemon juice, cherries, soft drinks, berries, apple juice or sauce, salad dressing, and more. 

Pay careful attention to the acid content of the foods you eat. Even if you carefully clean your teeth after eating, excessive consumption of acidic foods can still damage tooth enamel over time. 

Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash

Those who are concerned for the health of their tooth enamel should make sure that the toothpaste that they use contains fluoride. In fact, they might even want to consider using a toothpaste that is specially formulated for preserving enamel. Certain mouthwashes are formulated to not only preserve, but also to restore tooth enamel that may have begun to erode. 

For more tips, contact a company like Delta Oaks Dental Care.