Online Health Tips Health Blog
Enamel protects your teeth, but it can be worn away. When this happens, your teeth are more susceptible to decay, so follow these 10 easy steps to help prevent enamel erosion.
- Eliminate Acidic Foods and Drinks
Cutting carbonated drinks and those high in citric acid radically cuts down on enamel erosion. When you do indulge, rinse out your mouth with water right afterwards.
- Use a Straw
When you drink anything with lots of sugar or something that’s highly acidic, try using a straw to direct liquid to the back of your mouth.
- Cut Back on Snacks
The food you eat also feeds bacteria and increases the risk of decay, so avoid snacking randomly through the day.
- Chew Gum
Chewing gum boosts saliva production. Why is that important? Because saliva contains minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. Pick sugar-free gum with xylitol to reduce acidity.
- Drink More Water
Water prevents dry mouth, washes away food particles, and helps keep up a healthy flow of saliva.
- Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste
Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste because fluoride strengthens your teeth – that’s why it’s also added to drinking water in most developed countries.
- Speak to Your Dentist About Sealants
If you’re really worried about enamel erosion, ask your dentist about using dental sealant. It isn’t for everyone, but it can create a vital barrier against enamel erosion and tooth decay.
- Don’t Ignore Acid Reflux Disease, GERD, or Heartburn
All these bring stomach acid into the mouth, and stomach acid very rapidly weakens and wears away tooth enamel.
- Don’t Brush too Hard
You only need to apply a slight amount of pressure to your toothbrush to effectively clean your teeth. Pressing down too hard will only wear down tooth enamel.
- Stop Grinding your teeth
Grind your teeth during the day or think you might during the night? Speak to your dentist about ways to fight back.
If you’re concerned that you may have signs of enamel erosion, get in contact with a dentist today.