Your teeth are delicate. Maintaining them is a challenge you have to take on everyday to prevent them form decaying prematurely. Unfortunately, nearly everything you eat will contribute to the decay of the enamel on your teeth. What does that mean? It means the protective layer covering the nerves in your teeth is slowly but surely starting to disappear. But there are ways you can prevent this from happening. Here at Forest Lawn Dental Centre, your dentist is committed to keeping your teeth healthy and looking their best. Here are 5 ways to help protect the enamel of your teeth:
1. Avoid soda: Sodas are delicious; unfortunately, they are the number one culprits when it comes to enamel decay. Most soft drinks are full of sugar, which contributes to producing bacteria that causes tooth decay. You might think the simple solution is to just switch to diet soda, but sugar isn’t the only reason soda is bad for your enamel. Diet soft drinks are still highly acidic and will also contribute to loss of enamel. 2. Less rough when you brush: It’s a common misconception that the harder you brush, the more bacteria you’ll kill. In reality, if you brush too hard you’ll erode your enamel and will essentially destroy it while trying to protect it. If you have a history of brushing too hard, try using a softer toothbrush to compensate. 3. Eat and drink dairy products: After consuming particularly acidic food or drink, have a glass of milk or a piece of cheese. Dairy products cause an overproduction of saliva, which will rinse out the mouth of any leftover acidic substances. Secondly, because of the high levels of calcium present in dairy, it will help re-strengthen your enamel, provided it isn’t already completely gone. 4. When possible, avoid citrus: While it’s not necessary to cut them out entirely, eating citrus in moderation is key to helping preserve the enamel of your teeth. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are loaded with vitamin C, but unfortunately, they’re also loaded with citric acid. It’s important not to overdo it, or you’ll risk damaging your enamel beyond repair. 5. Visit your dentist every six months: While these tips will help avoid enamel decay, the best way to monitor and control the health of your teeth is by visiting your dentist regularly. They’ll be able to properly monitor the levels of decay and offer effective tips on how to handle your particular situation. If you’re looking for a family dentist, make an appointment with Forest Lawn Dental Centre. Click here to learn more about our services and fluoride treatment options.