6 Ways to Prevent Enamel Loss
The enamel of your tooth is the strongest substance in your entire body. It serves as a protective layer for your tooth. Without enamel, the inner tooth structure is vulnerable to decay, infection and damage. Unfortunately, your tooth enamel is not invincible. It can wear thin or erode over time, which greatly compromises your oral health. While your tooth enamel is not able to grow back once it is gone, there are ways you can prevent its loss. In fact, what you consume and how you consume it has a dramatic impact on tooth enamel loss.
At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we suggest the following tips to help patients avoid the devastating effects of enamel erosion or enamel loss:
#1 Limit your intake of highly acidic foods like soda and citrus fruits. If you must indulge, consider using a straw or try to rinse with water immediately afterwards.
#2 Cut down your snacking habits. Continuous snacking allows harmful acids to remain on your teeth all day long. Your saliva works hard to neutralize acids after you consume a meal. However, if you snack, the acidic level in your mouth can remain high for a longer period of time and the likelihood for enamel damage becomes greater.
#3 Chew sugar-free gum. Grab a stick of sugarless gum between meals. This is the next best thing to brushing your teeth. It can not only remove food debris from your teeth, but it increases saliva production. Gum that contains xylitol is your best choice when it comes to your smile health.
#4 Drink water liberally. Your body and your smile thrive on water. Water also keeps sugars and bacteria rinsed off your teeth and gums. The more water you drink throughout the day, the more your enamel is protected. It also keeps you from relying on sugary or acidic beverages like sports drinks to stay hydrated.
#5 Always use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is your enamel’s best friend, as it contains a vital mineral to strengthen and protect your teeth.
#6Talk to your dentist about dental sealants. If you simply can’t win the battle against tooth decay or enamel loss, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental sealants.
Not sure how to tell if you already have enamel loss? Typical enamel damage symptoms include sensitivity, discoloration, rough tooth edges and molar cupping. If you are concerned about your tooth enamel, please schedule an appointment with us at the office of Dr. Wayne Suway. We are in the business of protecting your smile!
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1820 The Exchange SE, #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 953-1752
FAX: (770) 953-6470
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