Did you know that maintaining your tooth enamel is one of the best ways to protect your oral health? It may even be the best way to prevent dental problems down the line. Preventing a problem is much easier and better than fixing it. As much as we love our patients here at Dentist of Gardena, we would rather help you keep your teeth healthy than have you come in for us to fix them!
So, what is tooth enamel and how can you keep it strong? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about this important topic.
Tooth enamel is a thin, translucent coating that covers each of your teeth above the gumline. This shell covers and protects the rest of the tooth. It’s incredibly thin and varies in color from a blue-like white to light yellow. Because it’s translucent, you can see light through it.
Tooth enamel is important because it is the first line of defense your teeth have against damage. Enamel is made primarily from calcium phosphate and is the strongest material in the entire human body. Its job is to protect your teeth and keep them healthy.
Healthy enamel prevents decay and protects against other types of damage. It also keeps your teeth white; yellowed teeth are a sign that your enamel has worn down to expose the underlying tissue, called dentin.
The most important thing you can do to protect your tooth enamel is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss at least once a day. Using mouthwash is also a good addition to your routine.
If you don’t like traditional toothbrushes, an electric toothbrush is a good substitute. You can also use a WaterPik in place of regular floss.
Visiting the Gardena office every 6 months for your cleaning and check-up is the second most important thing you can do to protect your tooth enamel. Regular check-ups will allow our staff to remove tartar and stains that can’t be removed through brushing alone.
We’ll also be able to spot any developing problems and correct them before they cause irreversible damage. In addition, we’ll make recommendations to help improve your oral health and can apply fluoride treatments if necessary.
Absolutely. Food and drinks that have lots of sugar and/or are high in acid are bad for your tooth enamel. Sugar feeds the bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks attack your tooth enamel directly. Acid degrades tooth enamel.
If you want to maximize the health of your tooth enamel, cut down on sugary and acidic foods. That means limiting sweets, juices, coffee, tea, and soda.
Eating a diet rich in the minerals that create tooth enamel can help make your teeth stronger. The primary mineral you need for this is calcium. Calcium-rich foods include leafy greens, dairy products, beans, and nuts.
Phosphorus is another important mineral for your tooth enamel and you can get it from meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and other protein-rich foods. Vitamin D is important as well because it aids in the absorption of calcium. You can get it from spending time in the sun or from eating dairy products, fish, cheese, eggs, and fortified cereals.
Finally, Vitamin A both helps you build stronger tooth enamel and protects your gums. You can find it in many fruits and vegetables, particularly orange ones such as sweet potatoes, melons, carrots, and pumpkins.
Fluoride helps form strong tooth enamel and directly fights tooth decay by reducing the growth of the bacteria that cause it. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when you brush and drink fluoridated water. Your doctor here at the Gardena office can also apply fluoride directly to your teeth to protect them if necessary.
Heartburn consists of stomach acid, and all acidic substances can damage your tooth enamel. If you have uncontrolled heartburn, the acids can escape your stomach, travel up your esophagus, and enter your mouth. This causes damage to everything along the way, including your tooth enamel. You can prevent this by treating your heartburn with medication and/or dietary changes.
Over brushing can damage your enamel over time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Use short, gentle strokes to brush your teeth. Try to clean one tooth at a time.
Grinding your teeth can harm your tooth enamel and cause serious damage to your teeth. Be careful not to grind your teeth during the day. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your provider here at the Gardena office about getting a mouthguard. These custom pieces are worn while you sleep and are the best way to prevent grinding damage.
Saliva protects your tooth enamel in addition to being a part of your digestive system. It helps wash away bacteria and rinse sugar and acid off your teeth. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but if you tend to have a dry mouth, it’s even more important to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and your teeth rinsed.
Our Gardena office is ready to help. We offer a full range of preventative and restorative dental services to give you the smile you want. Our doctors will keep your teeth in top condition. We offer flexible appointment times to help fit into your busy schedule.
Protect your tooth enamel and oral health today! Call Dentist of Garden at (424) 321-7470 now to schedule your appointment!