The hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel can become porous over time. Demineralization causes enamel to weaken and can result in tooth sensitivity, chipping, cavities and chips.
Tooth enamel is not able to grow back once it has worn down, which can lead to further pain and more cavities. It is best to prevent this from happening in the first instance. Follow these steps to strengthen your smile.
Mind Your Diet
The bacteria responsible for cavities feeds on the sugar and starch we consume and produces enamel-eroding alkali. The enamel is also affected by acid found in soda (both regular as well as diet), pickles, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
Your sugar intake should not exceed 13 grams daily. You can reduce your chances of developing dental problems by limiting your sugar intake. You can reduce or even avoid refined carbohydrates such as chips, pasta, bread, and crackers.
Snack Less Often
If your teeth are continually exposed to sugar or acid, bacteria has a greater chance to grow. It is possible to limit sugar intake and consumption of refined carbohydrate, but it can be hard to limit snacking.
A Straw is a Good Choice for Acidic Drinks
Drinks that are high in acidity include:
- Soda
- Lemonade
- Orange juice
- Coffee
To limit acid exposure to your enamel, drink these beverages through a straw. It is important to avoid drinking acidic beverages (like coffee) throughout the day. You should instead drink your beverage together with your meal and then rinse your mouth off with water.
Get Cheese for the End of Your Meals
Research shows that enamel demineralization can be helped by the casein or whey protein found in many types and varieties of cheese. Chew on cheese will stimulate saliva flow and help to remove bacteria and acid. If string cheese was included in your lunch, make sure you eat it last.
Make Sure You Use the Correct Toothbrush and Toothpaste
An unclean toothbrush can cause enamel damage. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, be careful about how much pressure your brush is applying. Use circular motions to brush, rather than going back and forth.
Examine your toothpaste for glycerin. It can cause a film on the teeth to block your saliva’s minerals from strengthening your enamel.
Use Remineralizing Treatments
Remineralizing gels have both fluoride (calcium phosphate) and fluoride (fluoride), which have been scientifically proven strengthen tooth enamel. Many remineralizing gels come in the form a pen applicator, or as trays to apply at home to your teeth.
Sugar-Free Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum may stimulate saliva production. This can wash away bacteria as well as the acid it produces. Sugar-containing gum will cancel out this effect. You should look for sugar-free gum that contains xylitol as one ingredient.
How to treat enamel loss
When your tooth enamel starts to wear away, you might feel sensitive when you eat hot or cold foods or sweets. Cracks and chips may appear in your teeth. If your erosion is severe, you may see indentations (“cupping”) on your teeth.
But what do you do when enamel has already started to fall? It is not made up any living cells and cannot repair itself. Dental bonding is possible to protect teeth if the erosion is not severe. To protect the teeth and reduce sensitivity in more severe cases, you can use crowns or porcelain veneers to cover them.