Tooth enamel protects the detailed inner structure of each tooth: dentin, pulp, the root canal, and the blood vessels and nerves. Without strong enamel, the strength and health of teeth are in trouble. Damaged or decaying enamel can turn into painful infections or abscesses that may lead to a need for root canal therapy or extraction. Poorly cared for enamel can develop cavities. You have every reason to keep up with general dentistry and regular exams and cleanings at your Johns Creek dentist. But you can also strengthen your tooth enamel on your own time.
Johns Creek General Dentistry Tips
Here are just five ways to strengthen tooth enamel:
- Choose your snacks carefully. When you indulge in foods that cling to your teeth for a long time, you’re increasing the chance of developing decay. Saliva is intended to keep the mouth moist and the wash away food from enamel, but saliva can only work so hard. Any high-starch or high-sugar foods that stick between your teeth or have you wishing for a toothpick – dried fruit, chips, caramel, etc. – are not great for oral health. They create bacteria that lingers, not only weakening tooth enamel but sometimes discoloring it too.
- Eat fortifying foods. To strengthen weak tooth enamel, or just to keep your enamel status quo, choose foods with calcium and phosphorous – like milk, yogurt, and cheese – that do the hard work of remineralizing tooth enamel. Abrasive foods, like celery, clean enamel (though they do not take the place of brushing and flossing). Vitamins and other nutrients can be found in strawberries, beef, and protein to fortify enamel.
- Chew sugarless gum. Any chewing action is good for tooth enamel because it helps stimulate saliva production. Chewing sugarless gum is good for teeth because it contains the natural sugar xylitol, which is helpful for maintaining oral health and preventing cavities. Keep that moisture level in your mouth and you have a built-in constant “cleaner” to neutralize acids and protect your teeth throughout the day when you’re not brushing.
- Brush properly. The goal is to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and floss once. But brushing well doesn’t mean brushing harder. Use gentle back-and-forth motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth – outside, inside, and chewing surfaces. If you have a heavy hand, you can wear down your enamel, so keep it light, but thorough.
- Get TMJ therapy. Do you grind your teeth? You’re damaging and wearing down your tooth enamel, potentially creating serious oral health problems like chips and fractures and breaks. TMJ also threatens the health of your gums, eventually causing them to recede. A custom-fit night guard can help protect your teeth, particularly at night. If your jaw alignment is so out of whack that you have other jaw problems, a course of Invisalign or traditional metal braces may be a better permanent solution. You’ll not only have aligned teeth then, but healthy enamel.
Take Care of Your Tooth Enamel in Johns Creek
Your tooth enamel is important. You want it to be white, but it also needs to be healthy, and you need help to determine if your tooth enamel is in good shape all on its own. Regular visits to your Johns Creek general dentist means you will undergo a dental exam and thorough dental cleaning, plus you can discuss TMJ, pain, or any other oral health questions or concerns you are having.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitul Patel at Family & Cosmetic Dental Care and allow us to be part of your oral health. Our dental office proudly serves the areas of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, and neighboring cities.
