Tooth Enamel | 5 Ways To Protect Tooth Enamel

How to Protect Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is a protective hard tissue found on the crowns of your teeth. The barrier protects against the daily effects of chewing, biting, and grinding. It also helps you enjoy cold and warm drinks without sensitivity. Dietary choices and habits can cause tooth enamel loss which is irreversible. But, you can help protect it with these 5 tips!

How do you lose tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel loss can happen in a variety of ways which include diet, health conditions, and medication. Examples include:

Soda
Citric acid
Sugary and starchy food
Dehydration
Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
Acid reflux disease
Certain medications

Moderation is key.

Sometimes soda is better with pizza and orange juice is too good to pass. But, you do not have to eliminate them entirely from your diet. Consume soda and citric acid in moderation and with food. It is less harsh on your teeth. And, rinse with water afterwards. Water helps wash away leftover soda and citric acid which minimizes their effect.

Avoid sugar and starch.

It can be difficult to avoid cookies and starchy food like bread and crackers. These snacks are desirable but, like the tip above, enjoy them minimally. Another tactic is to choose healthier sweets like “no added sugar” yogurt or sweet potatoes. Also, there are high starchy foods you can avoid to minimize tooth enamel loss like cornmeal, pretzels, soda crackers, and bagels.

Drink water.

Just drink more water. It can be your new go to beverage for every meal and when you need to quench your thirst. Plus, the hydration keeps your tooth enamel protected.

Wear a mouthguard.

Teeth clenching and grinding is an involuntary behavior that easily wears your tooth enamel. A proper examination will detect if you are suffering from this condition. Some people are not aware they clench or grind until a dentist identifies the signs. To control the effects of this behavior, a mouth guard is prescribed and is usually worn at night. Some severe cases may require day time use as well.

Protect your overall health.

Health conditions and medication that affect tooth enamel is unavoidable. Your overall health should always be priority. So, the best advice is to follow the top 4 tips. Improving your diet and using a mouthguard, if needed, will help a lot. If you are experiencing enamel loss, visit us for an examination and consultation. Tooth enamel loss is irreversible but there are ways to restore teeth to improve their appearance and functionality. Call (781) 894-0347 or request an appointment online.

5 Ways to Protect Tooth Enamel