For many people, caring for their mouths means to keep their teeth white, having a fresh breath and avoiding gum disease. This is a good oral hygiene routine but we are neglecting one very important component and that is strong enamel. Your enamel is the outer covering of your teeth and the tissue acts as a protective shell. Enamel is the hardest part of the human body. It protects your teeth against everyday chewing and grinding. It also protects against different food temperatures and chemicals that could damage your teeth. If your enamel has been damaged it could cause problems such as dingy-looking teeth or you could develop periodontal disease. Obviously the enamel on your teeth will have some wear and tear which is unavoidable, but too much is not healthy for your mouth. Once the damage to the enamel has been done it can never be repaired again. That is why it is essential to help keep your enamel strong and here are a few tips to do that.
Decrease your sugar intake
It is nothing new that sugar is bad for your teeth. If the sugar is not removed by brushing right away it becomes soft and after a time wears away your enamel. You would be surprised to find not only chocolates, soft drinks and cookies contain high volumes of sugar, but so do many healthy foods. Fruits cereals tea and bread also contain sugars that can be harmful to your enamel if left too long in the mouth. Stick to nature’s best beverage water when you are thirsty. Try sugarless foods and candies as an alternative. But take note that the artificial sweeteners can also damage the enamel because it contains certain acids that erode the coating of the teeth. Try brushing your teeth after your have eaten any sweats, but keep in mind that acidic foods soften your enamel temporarily, and is therefore more prone to be damaged, so wait for at least an hour before brushing.
Be gentle while brushing your teeth
Please remember to that by brushing your teeth too hard you can wear away your enamel. Using a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush hold it at a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Gently brush from the gum line to the chewing surface of the tooth in short strokes. Be careful not to Brush too hard because it can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth. Brush all of the teeth in your mouth this way. Make sure to brush on the inside and outside of the teeth. You should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft bristle toothbrush. Your toothpaste should also be for your specific oral needs. You can ask your dentist for the correct toothpaste for sensitivity, tartar and gum disease.
Be aware of dry mouth
Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is too easily shrugged off as everyday thirst. If left untreated it can cause real damage to the mouth. This condition happens if the body can’t produce enough saliva or the saliva is depleted for some or other reason. Your saliva is important because it washes away sugars and other substances that cause cavities. Smoking and some chronic medications cause Xerostomia, but so do ailments that cause you to vomit, sweat and get fevers.
Xerostomia can lead to sores in the mouth, cracked lips; a burning sensation in the mouth as well as rawness on the tongue, these oral issues could be the symptoms of more serious illness and disease. It could signify diabetes, hypertension, mumps, anemia and even Parkinson’s disease. Talk to your dentist if you have prolonged dry mouth. He or she will recommend the correct medications or they will ask you so see your medical doctor. For a temporary solution for your dry mouth chew sugar-free gum and drink lots of water.