A Guide to Strengthening Tooth Enamel

You can strengthen your enamel by brushing and flossing regularly, maintaining a good diet and visiting your dentist regularly.

Varun Verma
Written by: Varun VermaUpdated at: Mar 08, 2023 12:10 IST
A Guide to Strengthening Tooth Enamel

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Maintaining strong and healthy tooth enamel is important for your overall dental health. The tooth's enamel, which is its outermost covering, acts as a shield against harm and decay. Even though dental enamel is the body's strongest material, it can erode and wear off over time. Thankfully, you can take action to fortify your dental enamel and maintain the health of your teeth. This article will serve as a guide in helping you strengthen your enamel. But before that, let's learn the causes of weak enamel.

Causes Of Weak Enamel

Possible causes of weak enamel include incorrect dental practises, an unhealthy diet (eating excessively sweet or acidic food and drink), using a toothbrush with rough bristles or brushing too vigorously, chewing tobacco goods or smoking, acid reflux, alcohol consumption, dry mouth and trauma.

Steps To Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Brush and Floss Regularly

Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay and strengthen your enamel. By brushing your teeth, you prevent damaging germs and grime from adhering to the surface of your teeth and weakening your enamel. Flossing removes food particles and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. Aim to brush twice a day and floss once a day for the best results. Avoid bad brushing habits like brushing too hard or using an old toothbrush.

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Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is an element that occurs naturally and contributes to the strengthening of dental enamel. When you use fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth, it attaches to your enamel, strengthening it against acid erosion. Look for toothpaste containing fluoride, and brush for at least two minutes each time to ensure that your teeth are thoroughly coated.

Avoid Acidic Foods & Drinks

Acidic meals and beverages can gradually erode your dental enamel, weakening it and making it more prone to decay. Foods and drinks high in acid include citrus fruits, sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices. If you consume acidic foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help neutralise the acid. Additionally, consider using a straw when drinking acidic beverages to minimise contact with your teeth.

Eat Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium is an element that is necessary for healthy bones and teeth. Your teeth can stay robust and healthy by eating calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt, and green vegetables. If you're not getting enough calcium in your diet, consider talking to your doctor, who will provide you with the calcium supplement needed to support strong tooth enamel.

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Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva production, which can neutralise acid and help to remineralise tooth enamel. Saliva contains minerals essential for strong teeth, including calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. Additionally, chewing gum can help to remove food particles from your teeth and freshen your breath.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Maintaining strong and healthy tooth enamel requires routine dental examinations. Your dentist can identify any potential issues with your enamel and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent further damage. Additionally, your dentist can provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can weaken your enamel over time.

Bottomline

Finally, by taking these actions, you can maintain the health of your teeth and reinforce the enamel on them. Keep in mind that maintaining your oral health requires daily attention to your teeth and gums because avoidance is the key.

Image Credits: freepik

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