How to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Enamel is what covers our teeth. Many different factors can erode and weaken the enamel on our teeth, and once it's gone, it's gone. So it is important to strengthen our enamel when we have it. Here we will talk about ways you can take the important step of strengthening your tooth enamel.

Your Diet
The foods and drinks you consume may help to strengthen your enamel. Calcium, magnesium, fluoride, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C and phosphorus are all important in the strength of your teeth. The following foods and drinks are rich in the above vitamins and minerals: milk and milk products, citrus fruits, cereal grains, oysters, protein-rich foods, dark leafy green vegetables, fish with edible bones, tofu, soy milk and tea.

While vitamin C is important, and citrus fruits are packed with it, citrus fruits can also wear down enamel because they are acidic. Because of this, after eating any citrus fruits or drinking citrus juices you should rinse your mouth with water. This will cut down on those enamel-wearing acids while still allowing you to get that important vitamin C.

Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is known to help strengthen tooth enamel. It also works to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride plays a role in repairing teeth when they have gone through minor decalcification. In addition to fluoride toothpaste, tap water is usually fluoridated. If you are not sure if your tap water contains fluoride, contact your city and ask. While most cities do add important fluoride to tap water, not all do. Tea leaves also contain fluoride. However, for safety reasons, never swallow fluoride toothpaste.

Keep Plaque at Bay
If you allow plaque to build up, it will eventually start to go to town on tooth enamel's healthy minerals. This will result in enamel becoming pitted and wearing down. Of course, regular brushing keeps plaque at bay. Also, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and flossing regularly are critical in in maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping plaque at bay.

Keep Your Saliva Flowing
A healthy flow of saliva will help keep enamel strong. Saliva helps to wash away plaque and prevent cavities. If you experience dry mouth, especially if it is chronic, talk to your health care provider. To help stimulate saliva flow, try sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol in it. There are also sprays you can use if you work in a profession where you cannot readily chew gum or suck on hard candy throughout the day that will help to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.

Sources:

WebMD: Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration