There are certain, very simple, things that you can do every single day to help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Many of these things are aimed at preserving and fortifying your dental enamel, because, as the outermost layer of your tooth, your dental enamel is the first line of defense against damage and infection.
So what are some of the things that you can do in order to care for your dental enamel? Here are some tips from our O’Fallon dentists…
Follow all of your dentist’s recommendations regarding at-home oral hygiene. Remember, plaque will cause your dental enamel to weaken and become damaged. Brushing and flossing in accordance with your dentist’s instructions will help minimize the amount of plaque that accumulates in your mouth over time.
Another easy thing that you can do is to stay hydrated. You probably already know that hydration is important for your whole-body health, but did you know that water is also great for your smile? When you are consuming enough water, your mouth is able to produce plenty of saliva; saliva is your body’s way of naturally neutralizing bacteria and re-mineralizing dental enamel.
There are also some positive habits that you can incorporate into your routine. For example, you can start rinsing your mouth with water after you eat and drink—this will help to minimize the length of time that dental debris and plaque can sit on your teeth. It is also good for your smile if you consume sugary treats in short sittings, rather than snacking or sipping on them throughout the day.
If you want to learn more about the best ways to care for your smile at home, our O’Fallon dentists are here to give you all of the support and information that you need. Just give us a call to get started!