It’s amazing what you can take for granted. Enamel—the thin, white outer layer of your teeth—is a prime example. Without this hard exterior, your teeth would be completely yellow and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Believe it or not, most people naturally have just enough tooth enamel to last a lifetime, but very few make it their entire lives without needing to have their enamel replaced with fillings or dental crowns or with even more advanced restorative care like dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Some enamel wear is going to happen over the years, but how can you make your enamel stand the test of time? Keep reading to find out!
Maintenance
If you want your enamel to endure for the long term, you need to take care of your teeth and gums. Preserving your natural enamel is one of the reasons why you must attend your routine dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can address decay or damage as early as possible and then also remove hardened plaque to prevent future problems.
In addition to regular dental appointments every six months, you also need to have a daily oral health routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day stop harmful plaque from sticking to your teeth and eroding the enamel in the first place.
Healthy Diet
The substances you eat and drink every day have a direct impact on your enamel. Some foods and beverages are inherently acidic, such as citrus fruit or soda, which corrodes the hard shell around your teeth. However, there are other things that can lead to decay or damage to your teeth that you may not realize. For instance, foods/drinks that are sugar and carbohydrate heavy feed oral bacteria that create acids as well. By being more aware and careful about what you consume, you reduce the exposure to corroding acids and therefore preserve your enamel.
On the other hand, there are foods and drinks you should have to strengthen your teeth. If you drink more water throughout the day, you neutralize damaging acids. Calcium-rich foods, like milk, cheese, and yogurt, are also beneficial for tooth enamel.
Smart Protection
Although enamel is the toughest material in your body, it can break or become damaged with a hard blow to the face. In many situations, knocked-out or chipped teeth have to be completely replaced, which means you lose the enamel entirely. As a result, when you play football, basketball, rugby, or other contact sports, you should wear a mouthguard. That way, the plastic mouthguard absorbs the hit and not your teeth.
Ultimately, although you can’t prevent all enamel wear, you can make decisions in your lifestyle that support your natural teeth. By maintaining your enamel, having a healthy diet, and protecting your teeth with a mouthguard, you can preserve your naturally beautiful smile for life!
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental is fortunate to have nine total dentists on staff and six locations throughout the Lincoln area. Although we have the training and experience to meet any restorative needs, we encourage all patients to take a more preventive approach and protect their natural enamel. Regardless if you have all your teeth or none at all, we can help you have a healthy smile! Contact us online or at one of our locations to schedule an appointment today!