The surface of your teeth is called enamel. It’s the hardest material produced by the human body to protect the soft inside of teeth from damage, decay, and inflection. Although enamel is a robust material, it can thin out over time. If you do not have a healthy habit, bacteria can wear down your enamel over time and lead to some dental problems.
Enamel’s thickness is 2.58mm, once that teeth cover wears down, it does not back. So let’s take some steps to strengthen the weak enamel.
1. Brush your teeth gently
If you experience tooth sensitivity, it is advisable to brush teeth with soft bristles and avoid brushing too vigorously. Brushing teeth too hard or fast can damage the enamel. It is recommended to keep a gap of at least 30 minutes after you’ve finished eating.
2. Drink adequate water and limit sugary drinks
Water is enamel-friendly. Adequate water not only helps remain hydrated but also keeps mouths away from dry. It helps produce more saliva. As we know, a dry mouth can result in more bacteria. But drinking sufficient water is not always a part of most people’s to-do list. To keep the enamel healthy, it is advisable to drink more water and avoid drinking too many drinks. Sugary drinks are acidic and will soften and wear down enamel over time.
3. Consume calcium-rich food
Acids can trigger decay. Calcium-rich items like cheese, milk and other low-fat dairy products can help in strengthening the teeth and fight mouth acids as well. Health studies have pointed out that cheese products promote saliva flow. It also helps in maintaining the pH level. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help in rematerializing the enamel. Chewing sugarless gum can also prove to be beneficial when it comes to maintaining saliva levels.
4. Use fluoride
Fluoride can strengthen your enamel and helps repair the early stage of tooth decay. And it’s also helpful in making your teeth more resistant to acids that come from food in your mouth. If you already get a weak enamel, it’d be better to rinse with a mouthwash that has fluoride after meals.
5. Treat heartburn and eating disorders
Some conditions that seem not related to the enamel health are also a threat to your enamel.
If you have severe heartburn, stomach acids may escape and eventually reach your mouth, where they can erode enamel. If you eating disorder bulimia, or vomit food after eating, this also does harmless to your enamel.
6. Avoid grinding your teeth
Some people grind their upper and lower teeth together, especially at night. Over time it can wear down the enamel. We suggest a mouth guard protect your teeth.
7. Keep regular checkups
See your dentist every 6 months for a check-up. They can find potential dental problems for you and give effective suggestions to improve them.