It’s true, tooth enamel is the hardest substance on your body. That doesn’t mean that it’s completely invincible. It’s important to take care of your teeth—specifically the outermost layer. Not sure why enamel is so important? Your preventive dentist in Kent can explain why your enamel is critical to the function of your smile and what things to avoid enamel erosion.
Why is enamel important to your smile?
It Protects Your Teeth
Enamel is the outer layer that helps protect the sensitive areas of your teeth. If you fail to care for your enamel, it can easily wear away overtime—and trust us, you’ll feel the difference. Your teeth will become sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks and even can dull to an unattractive yellow color.
It’s Irreplaceable
Unfortunately, once you use it—and don’t maintain it—you lose it! Tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate itself.
It Keeps Your Smile Attractive
Enamel can become stained on its surface, but if it becomes worn over the years, the dentin of your teeth will begin to show through. This second layer to your teeth is a darker yellow color, which can cause you to feel less than confident about your teeth.
What should I avoid to keep my tooth enamel strong?
The longer you take care of your teeth, the longer they will last you. Here are a few tips that can help you keep your smile strong and durable for years to come.
Don’t chew things that aren’t food.
It’s easy to develop a habit of chewing your pencil eraser when in deep thought. The truth is small habits like gnawing on pen caps, ice, popcorn kernels, and even biting your nails can damage your teeth. The basic function of your teeth is to chew on food—and that’s about the only pressure they can handle. Chewing these items can chip away tooth enamel.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks.
Acid is a toxic substance for your teeth. When it mixes with sticky plaque, it can stay on your teeth and eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Many drinks that patients enjoy typically have high levels of acid like fruit juices, sodas, and some fruit. That’s why Complete Dental Care always recommends drinking water in place of any juices. If you have a piece a fruit for a snack, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
You need a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is horrible for your smile in many aspects—but especially when it comes to the lifespan of your tooth enamel. When your teeth slide back and forth against each other, you’re damaging your enamel. Ask us about how a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth.
Brush your teeth—don’t scrub them.
When it comes to removing plaque from your teeth and gums, you don’t have to abrasively scrub your smile to do so. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that can easily be removed with brushing and flossing gently. Use a soft bristled toothbrush rather than a firm one to protect your tooth enamel from being scraped away over the years.
Contact Complete Dental Care for Enamel Advice
There are many ways your dentist can help you keep your tooth enamel strong. Remember, once it’s gone, there’s no going back. In the meantime, our office can provide a scheduled professional teeth cleaning in Kent, thorough dental exams, and even fluoride treatments for patients that wish to further reinforce their enamel. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.