Tooth enamel protects your teeth from harmful pressure, which means ensuring it is in great shape should be a routine in your preventative dental care. If not properly taken care of, the enamel can erode and make your teeth more susceptible to things like breaking, cracking, or chipping. Ultimately, this can be very painful and cause gaps in your teeth where more bacteria can grow. You can imagine enamel being a shield for your teeth. As such, it must be properly maintained so that the ‘shield’ doesn’t break down and result in damage to the other parts of the tooth.
Enamel erosion is when the enamel surrounding your tooth begins to break down. Since this is part of the tooth’s necessary protection, this can mean you experience more sensitivities or dental issues. Many parts of our body will naturally heal themselves or go into a ‘repair mode’ when damaged. However, dental enamel does not have that capability. Any damage done to the enamel will be permanent and cannot be repaired organically by the body. Erosion can occur when acidity impacts the teeth. Foods and beverages such as soft drinks, candy, and sweet or sour foods can encourage bacteria to grow, which will break down your enamel. Other aspects, such as medications, alcohol, acid reflux, or dry mouth, can also cause erosion.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do for preventative dental care for your tooth enamel. To begin with, you can try to cut or limit the number of sugary foods you consume. For example, if you typically drink several soft drinks a day, try to cut them down to one or two. Highly acidic foods such as lemons or citrus can also be hard on the enamel. Using a straw may help mitigate the sugar directly hitting your teeth; however, you should continue to brush about an hour afterward.
Don’t forget your water! Water can help wash any unwanted germs out of your teeth. Not only is this generally a great habit to have, but it can keep your enamel in good shape. Brush your teeth twice daily and try to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help protect your enamel and strengthen teeth. If you have certain sensitivities, you can also get toothpaste to address those. Your dentist may suggest certain products to address any dental issues you may have or may be able to recommend products that are most effective at protecting enamel.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Stoughton, MA
Your dental appointments should be every six months to allow the provider to look at your teeth and gum condition. Signs of enamel loss include sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli, discoloration, cracks, or chips. If you have a loss of enamel, they may suggest getting a crown or veneer. The best thing you can do for preventative dental care is to brush regularly, avoid acidic foods, and follow up with your dentist as suggested.
Request an appointment or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at 781-443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
Preventative dental care is important for optimal oral health. It prevents bad breath, oral disease, tooth loss, among others.The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth. It is a white visible part above the gum. It is the part seen when you smile. The enamel is also the strongest layer of the tooth. It…
Preventative dental care refers to all the ways you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums, which will ultimately help prevent more severe issues down the road. One great way to provide this type of care is through treatments, including scaling and root planing, periodontal therapy, and laser gum surgery. The following are…
If you are looking to avoid having cavities, sensitive gums, or dental issues, your best bet is actively engaging in preventative dental care. Without regular dental cleanings, flossing, or rinses, you may be putting your dental hygiene at risk for things like gingivitis or even root canals. There are several healthy habits that you can…
Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist can help you get a clear idea of the final amount. Understanding the specific elements of your dental procedure is important in setting your budget. Here is a comprehensive guide for determining the cost of your dental restoration.This dental restoration…
Preventative dental care is important for optimal oral health. It prevents bad breath, oral disease, tooth loss, among others.The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth. It is a white visible part above the gum. It is the part seen when you smile. The enamel is also the strongest layer of the tooth. It…