Tooth enamel is a hard protective covering that shields your teeth from damage caused by chewing, biting, crunching and grinding. Poor oral care, a bad diet and tooth grinding can weaken and eventually destroy this outer layer of your teeth.
韓国歯列矯正While enamel cannot grow back once it is damaged, you can encourage re-mineralization to strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the most common methods of repairing tooth enamel. This mineral strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to acid, reducing the chances of cavities and decay. It can also reverse early tooth decay by promoting remineralization, which is the process of repairing the tooth enamel that has been stripped away by acids (demineralization).
Our bodies naturally absorb fluoride from foods and drinking water. However, this is not enough to protect against enamel erosion and tooth decay, which is why fluoride treatments are so important. These treatments are available at our dental office in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish that is applied to the teeth with a brush, swab, or mouth tray. The teeth must be kept dry while the treatment is in place so that it can remineralize the enamel. 韓国歯列矯正
In addition to the fluoride treatments we provide in our office, we also recommend that patients use toothpaste with fluoride and rinse their mouths with a mouthwash that contains fluoride on a regular basis. Fluoride can be found in many foods and drinks, including some juices, tea, coffee, and milk. It is also added to public drinking water sources as a way to prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Our dentists will advise patients on the right amount of fluoride to add to their diet, as well as whether they should receive professional fluoride treatments at our dental office every 3, 6, or 12 months.
2. Brushing
Tooth enamel can be eroded b 韓国歯列矯正 y the acids found in sugary and acidic foods, carbonated drinks, hard substances, poor oral hygiene, bruxism (teeth grinding) among other factors. This deterioration leads to tooth decay and the need for dental treatment. Although enamel cannot grow back once it is damaged, there are approaches that can be used to strengthen and protect weakened or damaged enamel.
Brushing is an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine and the first line of defense against enamel erosion. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help preserve and protect tooth enamel. However, it is also recommended to brush gently and thoroughly, as vigorous or abrasive brushing can further damage tooth enamel. It is best to brush teeth before bed and 15-30 minutes after meals. It is also recommended to use a soft bristled toothbrush and a soft floss to prevent gum tissue irritation.
If you are experiencing a mild case of tooth enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend remineralising toothpaste to replenish the natural calcium in your teeth. This is a safe and effective way to restore and strengthen tooth enamel. If your enamel is badly damaged or destroyed, your dentist may recommend a more restorative approach such as dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to protect the surface of a tooth. For more severe cases, your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers or crowns to cover and restore a severely eroded tooth.
3. Flossing
Even though tooth enamel is incredibly strong, it’s not invincible. It can be damaged by acidic foods and drinks, hard brushing and dry mouth, which exposes the softer dentin underneath. Eroding enamel exposes teeth to the elements and can lead to sensitivity, pain and cavities.
Flossing is a great way to clean the space between your teeth, especially in areas where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. It helps to prevent plaque build-up, which can cause gum disease, including gingivitis. It can also help reduce tooth decay and gum inflammation by removing food particles that can feed destructive bacteria.
However, you should never rely on flossing alone for daily oral care; it should be used in conjunction with brushing twice a day, using a fluoride mouthwash and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Flossing removes food particles and introduces oxygen to prevent bacteria from growing in these hard-to-reach areas, which can lead to a more comfortable oral health routine overall.
While a chipped or broken piece of tooth enamel cannot be repaired by the body, minor damage can be reversed with remineralizing toothpaste and applications that replenish enamel with calcium and other essential minerals. This is a great preventive measure for healthy teeth and can be done at home or at your dentist’s office. For more serious cases of eroded enamel, a dentist can provide dental crowns to protect and cover the exposed dentin.
4. Diet
While eroded tooth enamel cannot be repaired once it is gone, certain foods and drinks can help prevent future damage. For example, avoiding highly acidic food and drink can help prevent tooth decay. If you must consume these types of foods or beverages, consider using a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth right afterward to cancel out the acid.
A diet that includes foods rich in calcium, phosphorous and other essential nutrients can also help strengthen tooth enamel. For example, dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are great sources of magnesium. Additionally, meats, fish and eggs provide protein which helps in the production of keratin that supports healthy enamel. Finally, vitamin A which is found in many orange-colored foods like sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe can help improve enamel strength.
Aside from these foods, you should make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. While bottled water can contain fluoride, it is best to drink tap water with regulated fluoride levels as this can also help protect your teeth and gums. Finally, opt for sugar-free chewing gum and beverages when a snack is needed as these choices can also help prevent enamel erosion by removing excess sugar from the mouth.