How can your dentist help you strengthen your teeth, and what does enamel have to do with it? The tooth enamel is the strongest material on the human body, but when it becomes weak, the repercussions could be harmful to your oral health. You can have sparkling, white teeth with brittle enamel, and a little force to your mouth or a hard bite on a hard item can give you a chipped, broken or cracked tooth. You are also susceptible to cavities if your enamel weakens.
Strong, healthy teeth are essential for lasting oral health. Irrespective of the current state of your enamel, you can take practical steps to strengthen your teeth.
Fermentable carbohydrates, such as those found in candies, sugary drinks, cookies, cereals and other sweet items, are dissolved by the mouth bacteria, forming acids that degrade the enamel. Demineralization, as this process is called, involves the dissolution of minerals on the enamel by acids.
Try to avoid consuming sugary items, and if you must, make it a habit of brushing your teeth some minutes after eating. The acids produced by the sugars stick to the teeth after meals and can cause cavities if not cleaned off.
Due to the demineralizing action of the acids in the mouth, it is reasonable to replace the minerals lost when possible. An easy way to remineralize your teeth is to drink fluoridated water: This will supply your teeth with sufficient fluoride for fortification. You can also consult the dentist about other methods of fluoridation.
As much as possible, brush your teeth twice daily. This contributes to eliminating food debris that binds with bacteria in the mouth to create acids that break down the enamel. Even if you feel your teeth are healthy, brush your teeth after meals using a fluoride toothpaste.
Correct brushing is just as vital as brushing regularly. Try not to brush your teeth with vigorous movements; instead, brush with mild circular motions using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard brushing can harm your enamel, as can hard-bristled toothbrushes.
You should also include flossing and cleaning your tongue in your dental care routine. Flossing helps remove food debris from hard-to-reach places, and cleaning your tongue helps reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Food is an excellent way to provide your teeth with the needed minerals. Cheese, for example, has been discovered to avert demineralization of the enamel by acids. Beneficial foods for the teeth include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and lean products, as well as foods that boost the secretion of saliva in the mouth.
When you go for your biannual dental appointments, the dentist will perform professional cleaning to remove plaques and tartar from the teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that accumulates on the teeth and contains bacteria that breaks down carbohydrates in foods to sugars. After the deep cleaning procedure, the dentist will fluoridate your teeth to keep them fortified against decay for months.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
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