How to Avoid Enamel Damage

Although most people understand the importance of it, all too many do not know how to avoid enamel damage.

Unfortunately, once our dental enamel is damaged and gone, it cannot grow back naturally, which is why it is crucial that we give our enamel the protection it deserves.

How to Avoid Enamel Damage

To avoid enamel damage, it is crucial to incorporate a daily routine that is conducive to good oral health. By understanding what it takes to protect your enamel, you can adequately respond to situations that may lead to enamel damage.

The following are the three best ways to avoid enamel damage.

Substitute caffeinated beverages for water

One of the leading causes of enamel damage is caffeine and acidic based drinks, such as coffee and soft drinks.

Therefore, for anyone worried about putting their enamel in jeopardy of erosion, it is a good idea to substitute caffeinated beverage for water. Water is not only not detrimental for enamel, but it helps to protect our enamel. When consuming water regularly throughout the day, it allows enamel to continually be washed off and keeps us from developing dry mouth, which can also lead to enamel damage.

With that said, giving up caffeinated beverages can be easier said than done. Therefore, in the event you have a caffeinated beverage or are unable to give up drinking coffee, be sure to brush your teeth more frequently.

Eat less acidic foods and more calcium-rich foods

While it is important to watch what drinks we consume, it is necessary to monitor what we eat when attempting to avoid enamel damage.

Quite simply, certain foods pose a more significant threat to our enamel than others. Foods that are highly acidic, such as tomato-based foods, can cause enamel damage. On the other hand, foods that are high in calcium, such as eggs, cheese, and yogurt, can help strengthen our dental enamel.

Also, foods that contain a lot of sugar can be detrimental towards the health of our enamel, so be sure to limit intake of sugar as well when attempting to avoid damage to teeth enamel. While it is not a crime to have spaghetti or a desert high in sugar once in a while, it is important to brush thoroughly after doing so.

Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash

Lastly, fluoride is enamel’s best friend, meaning it helps strengthen our enamel and allows it to better resist harmful bacteria and chemicals from wearing it down.

Subsequently, it is important to ensure you are receiving a steady dose of fluoride on a daily basis. The best way to ensure this is to use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash a couple of times each day.

While at home preventive measures should be enough to avoid enamel damage, be sure to consult with your dentist if any signs of enamel damage begin to show up. In most instances, your dentist can provide you with the proper treatment to strengthen the damaged enamel.

Looking for treatment for enamel damage near the 30047 area? Call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178.