Tips to Protect Tooth Enamel

The enamel that coats the tops of your teeth should be regarded as one of the most important, non-renewable resources in your mouth. It’s a hard tissue that develops early in your life, and it is not capable of regrowing or replenishing itself once it has been damaged.

To a large degree, the information that is provided for you at each dental visit is designed to educate you on the best ways to preserve and protect your enamel. Any habits or risk factors that are found to be harmful to your enamel are generally identified and corrected at each checkup so as to reduce the chances of long-term damage.

The consequences of weak or damaged enamel can often put you on the fast-track to oral surgery since the enamel serves as a barrier of protection against tooth decay and broken teeth. If a cavity were to break through the enamel barrier, or if your tooth were to fracture, the chances that your dentist can save your tooth might be limited.

So, how can you save your teeth and avoid an unplanned meeting with your oral surgeon? Consider the following preventive care tips:

• Avoid aggressive brushing and abrasive toothpastes when cleaning your teeth. Soft bristles on your toothbrush and mild anti-cavity toothpaste are sufficient methods of removing plaque without abrading your enamel.
• Avoid clenching or gritting the teeth, habits that can quickly wear down the biting surfaces of the teeth as well as fracture the enamel along your gumline.
• Monitor your intake of acidic foods and drinks, but also remember that acid reflux and indigestion can literally melt away your precious enamel.
• Pay attention to habits that can encourage tooth decay, such as frequent snacking and infrequent flossing. A tiny cavity is like a chink in the armor that protects your teeth.

For more tips on protecting your teeth enamel and keeping your smile as strong as possible, call Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center  to schedule your dental appointment today.