3 Ways to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

In the war against tooth decay and cavities, the enamel which covers our teeth is the first line of defense. Enamel is the part of the tooth you can see; a hard, resilient substance that covers the crown of the tooth. Comprised of hydroxyapatite, phosphorous, and calcium, tooth enamel is stronger than bone and protects the important tissues that lay below. Fortifying your teeth’s defenses by strengthening tooth enamel can reduce the chances that the constant barrage of food particles and beverages which our teeth are up against every day will cause problems deeper in our teeth.
Here are three easy ways to strengthen your tooth enamel:
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Many people think sugar-free gum is simply a less damaging alternative than regular, sugar-rich gum. The reality is that chewing sugar-free gum is actually a positive, beneficial thing for your enamel. In general, chewing increases the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is effective and necessary for removing food particles and washing away damaging acids. Chewing gum after eating and thus increasing your saliva production can supercharge this process as well as supply your teeth with extra enamel-strengthening calcium and phosphate. In fact, some studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay.
Increase Your Calcium and Dairy Intake
Calcium is great for strengthening enamel and bones, and dairy products are chock-full of calcium. In addition to reinforcing enamel, certain dairy products, like milk and yogurt, don’t increase the acid levels in your mouth, while cheese has been found to contain some ingredients which can fight cavity-formation. If you are lactose intolerant, you can buy calcium supplements to provide the benefits without needing to consume dairy products.
Avoid Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching
These habits are often the result of stress and can be particularly insidious because they often occur in our sleep.  They can put a lot of pressure on the gums and jaw structure and can also result in fractures and micro-fractures in your teeth enamel.  Find a way that works for you to address and reduce any stress or anxiety in your life.
Of course, good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to a dental professional will also go a long way to ensuring that your tooth enamel is strong, resilient, and ready for whatever comes its way.
Assure A Smile: Miami Holistic Dentistry
At Assure A Smile, we partner with our patients to help them develop healthy, natural, and effective oral hygiene habits as part of an overall wellness strategy and holistic healthcare approach. To learn more about the importance of holistic healthcare and how to develop healthier habits for a better you, please contact us today or call us at 305-274-0047. We look forward to meeting you.