4 Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

Whitening is just one side of the coin when it comes to your dental health. Fortifying your enamel against tooth decay is just as important as a bright white smile. Fortunately, a few simple tips can help you strengthen your teeth easily and effectively.

1. Eat a Tooth-Healthy Diet

When your body doesn't get enough calcium each day, it must make up for the deficiency. It can do this by breaking down calcium phosphate in your bones and tooth enamel. A diet that is rich in calcium and phosphorous will protect your enamel from the deterioration that can sabotage your dental health.

Vitamins are another part of the tooth-healthy diet puzzle. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium, while Vitamin C strengthens the gums and other soft tissues that support your teeth. Dairy, leafy greens, and seafood are three key food groups to remember that provide vitamins to boost oral health.

If strengthening your teeth is your goal, knowing what foods to avoid is just as important as knowing what to eat. Sugary foods should be eaten in moderation since oral bacteria produce tooth-eroding acids as they feed on sugar. Particles of sticky and starchy foods can cling to your teeth and provide a long-lasting food source for bacteria.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is dangerous for your dental health because saliva helps to protect your teeth from bacteria. If you don't stay hydrated, you are at greater risk of tooth decay because you may not produce enough saliva to protect your teeth. Drinking water promotes saliva production that rinses food particles and acids off of the surfaces of your teeth.

Coincidentally, most of the alternative beverages you could choose over water are in fact harmful to your teeth: coffee and tea can stain your tooth enamel, sodas and juices have high sugar and acid content — the list goes on. Tap water is treated with fluoride in many places as well, so a simple sip from the sink is like a fortifying mineral wash for your teeth.

3. Hone Your Brushing Technique

Not surprisingly, brushing your teeth the wrong way may do harm. Brushing with too much force can erode enamel, and failing to clean every surface can leave food particles behind. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth to reach plaque below the gum line.

Fluoridated toothpaste and mouth wash provide an easy way to give your dental enamel a boost every time you brush your teeth. A soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended because stiff toothbrushes can wear down your teeth. Remember to brush the tongue-side of your teeth as well to prevent tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas.

4. Don't Fall Behind on Dental Visits

Dentists know how to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Treatment from a dental professional is your most valuable resource for lifelong dental health. Fluoride treatment is one option available to strengthen dental enamel. This treatment can provide results that are unmatched by any other method.

Fluoride treatments are available in a few different varieties. They are commonly applied as a gel, foam, or varnish. The product is held in the mouth for a short time so that dental enamel can absorb the fluoride. Performing this procedure one to two times per year greatly increases your resistance to tooth decay.

Keeping your teeth strong and healthy is a worthwhile goal at any age. Make sure to follow these tips to enjoy healthy teeth throughout your life. You can also visit us at Airport Road Dental Associates so that we can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted!