If brushing your teeth is the first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay, then your enamel is your last line of defense, which means you have to protect it if you want to avoid tooth decay. If you are not sure about what you need to do, here are some useful tips for protecting tooth enamel.
Brushing your teeth is very important because it helps get rid of the plaque that forms on your teeth after you eat and drink. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also make sure you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens your enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is also known to make your teeth more resistant to the acids that come from foods and drinks and the bacteria in your mouth. Using mouthwash that contains fluoride is also a good way to fight cavities and strengthen your enamel.
Regular checkups with the dentist are also great for protecting tooth enamel because your dentist cleans out your teeth with a strong fluoride solution that helps to strengthen your enamel.
Even though they taste good going down, you should avoid sugary foods and drinks because the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar then make acids that wear away and soften your enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Sticky foods and chewy candy can also cause damage to your teeth and lead to decay. Even though sodas and juices with artificial sweeteners are a better alternative, they also contain acids that will wear down your enamel. If you must have a sugary drink, use a straw to lessen the damage on your enamel.
One of the best ways to protect your enamel is to eat foods that contain calcium because the calcium counters the acids in your mouth that are responsible for tooth decay. Calcium is also good for keeping your teeth and bones strong.
Dairy products like milk and cheese are good sources of calcium, but you might want to go with the fat-free or low-fat options to avoid putting on some extra pounds. If you are allergic to dairy or you are not a big fan of dairy products, you can eat other foods that have calcium or take calcium supplements.
Even though brushing your teeth regularly is great for protecting tooth enamel, you can also wear down your enamel if you brush your teeth too hard. A lot of people think the harder they brush their teeth the cleaner they are going to be, which is not the case.
In fact, dentists recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes because they do not damage your enamel the way hard bristles do. Use gentle strokes when you brush your teeth and wait for an hour after eating before you brush because the acids in the foods can soften your enamel and weaken the teeth, making it easier to damage while you brush.
Protecting tooth enamel is very important if you want to avoid tooth decay. You can get more tips on how to keep your enamel strong by visiting your dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emergencydentistinorlando.com or call Maitland Square Dentistry at (407) 337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.
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