The outer surface of teeth is called enamel and it is designed to last for lifetime. Though it is the hardest substance of the body its wear and tear is inevitable. There are plenty ways of keeping enamel strong and in good condition.
Below mentioned are 6 steps that help in keeping enamel in good condition
- Limit Soft Drinks and Sugary Food: Sugar can lead to production of acids in mouth which softens teeth and eventually leads to wearing of teeth. Chewy candies that stick to teeth are extremely damaging. Soft drink has same application. Along with sugar they also contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, making them extra acidic. Sugary soft drinks should be replaced by artificially sweetened soft drinks. However sugarless sweeteners are acidic and are capable of eroding enamel over a period of time. The best choice over all these is water or lime juice.
- Consume Food that Protects Enamel: Calcium present in food helps in neutralizing acids in mouth. It also acts as an essential mineral helping in keeping bone strong. All dairy products like milk, cheese etc, strengthen enamel and protect them. The best choice is to consume orange juice to keep enamel healthy as calcium helps in buffering normal acidity of orange juices and other citrus liquids.
- Keep away from Over-Brushing: Brushing too vigorously will lead to wear and tear of enamel. Ensure you use soft brush and change it periodically. Brush gently. The best way is to hold the brush at about 45 degree angle to your gums and brush back and forth in straight direction in short strokes. It is a myth to brush immediately after eating sweets and citrus food. Acidic food temporarily softens enamel and makes it more prone and susceptible to damage from brushing. Give time to enamel to re-harden and then brush your teeth. That should be an hour.
- Treat Disorders and Heartburn: Severe heartburns, stomach acids are capable of reaching esophagus and escaping into mouth which can erode tooth enamel. Vomiting after food namely bulimia is also a threat to erosion of enamel. Ensure you consult a doctor for such disorders. Also avoid smoking as it reacts with enamel directly.
- Avoid chlorinated Pools: Chlorine in swimming pools makes water too acidic. Tooth enamel if exposed to water can get eroded quickly. Frequent swimmers tooth enamel is more damaged compared to non-swimmers. One good solution is to close your mouth while swimming.
- Consult a Doctor: If the enamel is completely spoilt and it needs to be repaired consult a dentist. He can guide you and operate. There are few gels and paste that can help in enamel restoration. Though it is a lengthy process and time-consuming it can help in damage repair. There are few other processes like cleaning and polishing that can help in restoration. However, excess of such processes can also erode your enamel.
It is extremely important to pay heed to tooth enamel as it remains with us lifetime. Keeping few small tips in mind can benefit it.
