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Written By: Admin | Updated : August 8, 2013 6:35 PM IST
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body. But that does not make it immune to wear and tear. And the fact that it cannot be replaced by the body once damaged makes it even more necessary to protect it. Here are the dos and don'ts that will help you protect your enamel for life.
DOs
Brush and floss
The first and the most important step that you can take to protect your enamel is to practice proper plaque control. The longer the food stays in contact with your teeth the higher the assault on the enamel. Bacteria in your mouth break down the food you eat to produce acids which attack and damage the enamel of your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss once or twice a day preferably after dinner to remove plaque from between your teeth.
Use fluorides
Drink fluoridated water. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities. It is especially effective when used early on in childhood. But unfortunately, most places do not have natural fluoride in the drinking water. In such instances, use a toothpaste containing fluoride. But beware! Excess intake of fluoride can cause mottling of teeth.
Reduce intake of acidic foods and beverages
Regular and prolonged consumption of acidic foods and beverages like snacks, coffee, citrus fruit juices, wine, etc. not only stain your teeth but can also cause acid wear of your enamel. Reduce your intake of such food to prevent the constant assault of acid on the enamel.
Use a straw; combine foods smartly
Can't do away with your favourite acidic beverages? Then, get smart. Avoid those trouble makers from contacting your teeth by sipping from a straw! Combine acidic foods with foods like cheese or milk that neutralise them. Dairy products like cheese and yoghurt also contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus that can keep your teeth free from cavities by remineralisation of tooth enamel.
Make rinsing your mouth a habit
One easy way to get the food particles and acids off your teeth is to rinse your mouth after eating or drinking. This very simple routine can help protect your enamel for life!
Keep up that appointment with your dentist
Don't miss that appointment with your dentist. Visit your dentist once in six months. Your dentist will be able to identify initial caries of the enamel which is reversible and treat it accordingly. He/she will also check for conditions in the mouth that may be putting your enamel at risk.
Get your conditions like acid reflux, bulimia, etc. treated
Certain conditions like acid reflux, GERD, bulimia, etc. can bring acid to your mouth and cause wearing off of your enamel. Get them treated and save your enamel.
Switch your medications
Certain medicines like blood pressure pills, anti-depressants and antihistamines cause dry mouth which increases your risk for dental decay. Consult your doctor about switchingmedications, if feasible.
DON'Ts
Don't brush too often and too hard
Brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal. But brush no more than three times a day because brushing too often can erode your tooth enamel. And also, brushing too hard or brushing with a hard bristle brush can wear down your enamel.
Don't brush right after you eat
Acidic foods and drinks soften the tooth enamel. Hence brushing soon after eating or drinking acidic foods can increase the risk of toothbrush abrasion. Postpone tooth brushing to at least 30 minutes after meals by which time the saliva in your mouth neutralises the acids and helps teeth re-mineralise.
Don't use your teeth as tools
Don't use your teeth to open lids or to crack a nut. There are specific tools to do that. Using your teeth can not only crack or chip your enamel but also break your teeth.
Don't grind or clench your teeth
Teeth grinding occurring on a regular basis can wear off or fracture your enamel paving the way for tooth decay. Visit your dentist and get a custom made mouth guard done.
Don't whiten your teeth too often
Opting for teeth whitening procedures too often can put your enamel at risk of destruction by demineralization and increase the sensitivity of your teeth.
Don't get piercings on your tongue
Think tongue piercing is cool? Well, your teeth would disagree. The metal piercing can keep striking into your teeth whenever your tongue moves and chip or fracture your enamel. Piercings are also sites to harbour bacteria if the tongue is not cleaned carefully, and can cause infection and bad breath.
