Enamel can take more punishment than bone can. However, with the passage of time, enamel can grow weaker, especially if you enjoy sugary treats and sometimes skip your morning or evening brushing routine. And since you use your teeth to chew several times a day, wear and tear can take its toll. But just like any other part of your body, you can strengthen your teeth.
If you are worried about the condition of your teeth, the following five practices can help keep your enamel in good condition.
1. Drink Lots of Water
If you stay well hydrated, your mouth produces enough saliva to keep your teeth bathed in mineral-rich moisture. But to stay hydrated, you need to ensure you drink at least 2 litres of water per day, especially if you enjoy drinking beverages such as beer and coffee. Beer and coffee tend to make you urinate more, which dehydrates your body and deprives your teeth of calcium-rich saliva.
2. Chew Xylitol Gum
Chewing xylitol gum helps to regenerate your teeth. Therefore, if you feel like your teeth are becoming brittle, chew xylitol gum each day. This will help to repair any minor damage that could lead to breakages in future. As an added bonus, the act of chewing gum also stimulates your salivary glands, keeping your teeth bathed in acid-neutralizing saliva.
3. Brush Your Teeth 30 Minutes After Eating Acidic Foods
If you consume acidic foods such as tomato pasta sauce, or acidic beverages such as cola, wait 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. Acidic foods and beverages soften your tooth enamel, leaving them more vulnerable to abrasion. If you brush your teeth too soon after acidic foods or drinks, you could damage your enamel. As such, ensure you wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
4. Brush all Areas of Your Mouth
Bacteria occupy all the spaces of your mouth. Therefore, ensure that you brush all areas of your teeth and soft tissues. But when brushing your tongue and gums, brush gently but thoroughly, otherwise, you could damage them. Since bacteria produce acid, which damages tooth enamel, the fewer bacterial organisms you have, the better.
5. Brush Gently
Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, enamel does experience wear and tear, just like any material. Therefore, brush your teeth gently and in a circular motion as opposed to a sawing motion, which could leave grooves along your gum line. It doesn't take much effort to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
As long as you follow the above advice and stay away from sugary treats as much as possible, you can keep your tooth enamel strong and sturdy. Talk to your dentist to learn more.
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