Keep your enamel strong and avoid dental erosion with proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet.
Maintaining a strong, healthy smile is not difficult, but it does take some commitment and effort. Although the teeth are protected by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body, they can still be damaged by a process known as dental erosion. Dental erosion occurs when harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth wear away at the enamel, gradually weakening the teeth over time. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your teeth strong — here are our top tips…
1. Practise proper oral hygiene
One of the best ways to protect your enamel from harmful acids and bacteria, and keep your teeth in good condition, is to establish a proper oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth thoroughly but gently with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. When you brush your teeth, you remove bacteria, food particles, and other debris before they can damage your teeth.
It is also advisable that you floss your teeth every day. It will help to get rid of plaque that can contribute to issues like dental erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease.
2. Choose good-quality products
In order to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, it is a good idea to use a toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the teeth, making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks. For even more protection, you might consider discussing the possibility of a fluoride treatment with your dentist.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet that is low in added sugar can go a long way toward keeping dental erosion and other issues at bay. Every time that you eat or drink something that contains sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids that attack the enamel and lead to erosion. Try to eat sugary treats in moderation only and opt instead for plenty of whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
Foods and drinks that are particularly harmful to the teeth include carbonated soft drinks; energy drinks; acidic citrus fruits; sticky and sour candies; and crunchy, starchy snacks like chips and crackers that contribute to the build-up of plaque.
It’s also advisable that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this helps to rinse food particles and acids from the mouth. If you do consume anything particularly acidic or sugary, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards and, if you can, brush your teeth after around half an hour.
4. See your dentist regularly
By seeing your dentist on a regular basis, it is possible to keep any potential issues under control and address problems in their early stages. If your dentist identifies any dental erosion, they will let you know what you can do to prevent further damage. If necessary, your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment plan. These appointments are also the ideal time to raise any questions or concerns you might have with your dentist and to ask for advice regarding your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we love to keep our patients informed and educated. We encourage you to come in and see us every six months so that we can help to keep your oral health on track and ensure that you enjoy a strong smile for life.
We offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including general, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic treatments. If you would like to find out more about the services that we provide at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here. To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at 03 5282 1681.