Most of the time, people put off preventative care either because they forget, feel anxious about it, or simply do not have the time. This is a real problem, because preventative care is key to avoiding problems down the road. One of the best preventative care measures is building strong tooth enamel. The list provides four ways you can strengthen your tooth enamel to preserve those pearly whites.
1. Make Sure You Select The Toothpaste That Is Right For You
With so many different brands of toothpaste out there all claiming to do similar things, the search can become somewhat overwhelming. If your goal is fortifying your enamel, then the best option would be toothpaste with high fluoride content. Fluoride is great for enamel and combats tooth decay. When shopping around, take care to notice the ADA Seal of Acceptance to be sure the product you are selecting includes fluoride.
2. Avoid Sugar As Much As Possible
Sugary, starchy foods attract bacteria to the teeth that end up wearing away your enamel. Bacteria love sugars and starches, and will consume them at all costs. As they are eating, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel (in addition to causing other problems like tooth discoloration and sensitivity). Be especially cautious of foods that contain both acids and sugars–candy, especially gummy or chewy candy, is a nasty culprit here.
3. Eat Healthy And Monitor Your Nutrition
The human body will naturally guard against weak enamel as long as it is provided the right nutrients. Adding products high in phosphorous and calcium is a great way to start. These include most dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Additionally, these will help your enamel by shrinking the pores on the surface of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to settle. Interestingly, strawberries are also a good food for enamel as they contain maltic acid, which removes tartar. In terms of meats, chicken and beef are both great as they also contain calcium and phosphorous.
4. Brush Regularly And Correctly
The best preventative measure you can take is to ensure that you are brushing your teeth twice per day, and after consuming any foods that could potentially weaken your enamel. Make sure you use a brush with soft bristles and carefully brush the insides of your teeth. Additionally, purchasing a tongue scraper and using it on your tongue will help reinforce the brushing efforts.
