Learn More From Our O’Fallon Dentists About How To Care For And Maintain Dental Enamel
Your dental enamel is your smile’s first line of defense against damage and infection. The dental enamel is the white, shiny, (fairly) non-porous material that covers the more inner layers of your tooth. When you look in the mirror, what you’re seeing is dental enamel!
When you are able to keep your enamel healthy and strong, you help your smile to resist decay and damage. That is why, today, our O’Fallon dentists are giving you some tips on how to care for enamel day in and day out. We hope you find this information helpful, and that you are able to incorporate it into your daily routine!
The major threats to dental enamel are:
· Harmful oral bacteria
· Acidic substances
· Dental trauma (caused by accidents, dental trauma, etc).
· Bruxism
It stands to reason, therefore, that in order to care for your enamel, it is best to minimize these threats as much as possible:
· Clean your teeth as recommended by your dentist to clear away oral bacteria
· Drink plenty of water so that your body is able to produce bacteria-neutralizing saliva
· Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking to prevent foods from sitting on your enamel
· Make special efforts to rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic substances to minimize acid erosion
· Do not brush your teeth for twenty to thirty minutes after eating or drinking something acidic, as your enamel may be softened and more vulnerable to erosion by your toothbrush’s bristles
· Wear a mouth guard when engaging in contact or extreme sports
· If you notice that you grinding or clenching your teeth, seek treatment from a dentist to help prevent dental enamel thinning
Our O’Fallon dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need in order to care for your smile. Please feel free to call our office or contact us through our website in order to schedule a consultation with our helpful team.