West Gate Dental is a general dentistry family practice that provides exceptional family dental services. We always put our patients first and are committed to keeping your teeth healthy. One of the best ways to do this is by strengthening and protecting your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of your tooth that protects it from erosion, cavities, infection, and sensitivity. Although tooth enamel is extremely durable, it can erode over time without proper care. This article will discuss ways to strengthen and protect your enamel.
Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to improve and protect tooth enamel. While regular brushing and flossing are important, knowing how and when to brush is just as important. Your West Lincoln dentist recommends not brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks or foods. Brushing too soon after can aid the acid in penetrating your enamel and causing premature erosion. After having these types of drinks or foods, you should rinse your mouth with water and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. This will give saliva time to neutralize the effects of the acid. Your dentist in Lincoln, NE recommends that you gently use a soft toothbrush when brushing. Hard toothbrushes and harsh brushing can damage your enamel. If you have any questions about brushing or oral hygiene, don't hesitate to contact us.
Limit Enamel Eroding Foods
Your Dentist in Lincoln, NE recommends that you limit food or drinks that can damage your enamel. When you do have them, you should follow the instructions above. While these foods and drinks themselves don't directly damage enamel, they can feed bacteria that produce damaging acids. Some of the foods and drinks you should limit include the following:
- Acidic fruits and juices
- Sports drinks
- Sugary foods
- Sour candies
- Soft drinks
See Your West Lincoln Dentist if You Notice Enamel Problems
You should contact your cosmetic and restorative dentist in Lincoln, NE immediately if you notice any signs of compromised enamel. We can provide treatments such as fluoride treatments and cleanings to restore minerals and slow down erosion. The type of treatments we will provide will depend on the severity of the problem.
Regular visits to your cosmetic dentistry in Lincoln, NE are the best way to protect and strengthen your enamel. In between visits, you should practice good dental hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing. You should also limit foods and drinks that can create an environment for increased enamel erosion. Whenever you brush, you should always use toothpaste or mouthwash that includes fluoride. This will help to restore minerals in your enamel.