Our tooth enamel is perhaps the most important thing in our mouth. However, every day we are constantly subjecting it to decay by the things we eat and drink, and they way we care for our mouth.
Enamel is a thin layer that protects our teeth. It protects the inner part of the tooth that is more vulnerable and soft.
The enamel is similar to an egg shell protecting the yolk. Believe it or not, it is the body's hardest substance.
The two primary factors of erosion, are inadequate fluoride and too little saliva. Brushing your teeth after drinking or eating is an easy and important way to prevent enamel erosion and strengthen it.
When brushing, using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush will help to strengthen, and they are not as abrasive as other toothpastes and toothbrushes. Hard-bristled brushes can damage it.
We are not always able to brush our teeth after every drink and every meal. However, there are certain foods we can eat to help neutralize acids.
Neutralizing these acids buys us a little time so we can brush as soon as we are able instead of immediately after eating. Drinking some milk or eating a piece of cheese after we eat or drink can help to do this.
Flossing is necessary to remove plaque and particles between the teeth. When plaque and particles sit in between them, they begin to erode the enamel.
You should also never use toothpicks because they can injure teeth and gums. Teeth whitening isn't necessarily bad for you when done properly and not too often.
However, when done improperly and too often, your mouth can become damaged. If you want to whiten, talk to your dentist about the best products to use, or have them perform the whitening procedure.
Sugar-free chewing gum that contains xylitol can help to stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva is necessary to help counteract the effects of acids.
Too little saliva from not producing enough of it is one of the top causes of enamel erosion and weakening. Sugar free hard candies can also help to stimulate saliva.
Drinking plenty of water can also help to keep the mouth moist. Eating disorder, such as bulimia, and digestive disorders that cause vomiting can wear away your protective layer.
Counseling for bulimia and medications and dietary changes for digestive disorders can help to get them under control so that vomiting is either completely or significantly eliminated. Vomit and stomach acids are very acidic and acid wears it away.
Our teeth are incredibly interesting things-they have a unique quality about them. Millions of people can crack a walnut with their teeth.
While most adults exert about 20 to 40 pounds of pressure when their jaws make contact, millions of people exert as much as 250 pounds of pressure. These grinders are known as bruxers.
Bruxism may be mild and may not require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to damaged teeth, headaches, jaw disorder, and other problems.
To prevent damage, mouth guards can treat grinding and clenching. Swimming in overly chlorinated pools can wear away the surface.
Fluoride treatments can be given to help keep you strong. Swimming with a well-adapted and custom-fitted mouth guard, which can minimize exposure to chlorine, also helps.
Soda and citrus drinks can be caustic as well. The average American drinks more than 53 gallons of soft drinks each year, more than any other beverage, including milk, beer, coffee, or water.
Phosphoric acid in soda and citric acid in citrus drinks can cause corrosion and the sugar can cause cavities. Most people do not know they have bad breath.
Using dental floss or a tongue scrapper, sniff either the floss or the scrapper. If your mouth is clean, you won't have a telltale smell.
Infection and trauma can cause severe defects. Nutritional deficiencies during infancy, antibiotic use such as tetracycline, high fever, and trauma can all lead to irregularities such as pitting.
The more your protect your mouth, the longer it will stay looking and feeling fresh. If you don't want dentures in your old age, the time to take precautions is now.
Talk to your dentist about what you can do today. It is never too late to change the way you take care of your oral hygiene!
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels has worked in Dentistry for 10 years. He has many recommendations of where to look for a cosmetic dentist in Fort Lauderdale.
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