5 tips to healthier teeth

5 tips to healthier teeth

Enamel erosion is the weakening of the outer tooth surface caused by acids that bacteria produce in the mouth. To maintain strong teeth you’ll need to implement good oral hygiene practices that help you avoid dental issues. Oftentimes you may notice some bleeding when you clean your teeth. 

This can be due to two reasons: 

1. You may be brushing a little too hard and causing trauma to the gums and wearing away at the enamel.
2. There’s quite a bit of plaque build-up and inflammation, and you notice it more when you floss. Don’t be afraid! This can be seen as a cry for help by your gums! Be persistent as you gently clean away at the plaque with your toothbrush and floss, as the bleeding should subside after a few days. Always feel free to see your dentist if you are unsure. 

Here are five tips for making your teeth strong and healthy.

1. Brush Twice a Day

To strengthen your teeth, start with a proper brushing technique. It’s recommended to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth clean and strong. 

A toothbrush removes germs and food particles from your teeth before they can contribute to enamel erosion. It’s recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brush plaque and leftover food away from the enamel surface and make sure to massage the junction between the teeth and the gums gently. 

2. Floss Daily

It is recommended to use floss to remove food debris and plaque from in between teeth. Start with a strip of floss about 18 inches long. Wind the string around the middle fingers on each of your hands and pinch together with your thumbs. You’ll want to keep 1 to 2 inches of floss between both of your hands. 

Then, you can gently guide the floss into each crevice in between the touching teeth. After you guide the floss into the space, gently use a c-shaped motion to wipe against the enamel surface. Make sure you can feel the floss hug each side of the tooth. Various flossing devices, including interproximal brushes and interdental aids, are also available for those who struggle to hold and maneuver string floss. 

3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many water sources. It’s often added to city water supplies and used in oral care products, too. Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses are effective in strengthening teeth and preventing dental decay.

It’s recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste twice daily. The best times to use fluoride are when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and limiting sugar intake is important to healthy and strong teeth. While sugars are necessary for proper body functions, they also feed the bacteria in the mouth, resulting in acid production. This acid production is responsible for erosion and tooth weakening.

Choose foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy options for general oral health. Below are the most harmful types of foods for your teeth. Enjoy these foods in moderation.

• Acidic citrus foods
• Sugary coffee drinks
• Sticky, hard candies or dried fruit
• Crunchy foods that retain plaque
• Sodas and sports drinks

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It aids in rinsing residual food debris and acids from the surface of the enamel. Saliva is also critical to helping you wash away food particles and acids from your mouth. Your mouth actually releases less saliva during snacking compared with when you eat a meal,

5. Book Regular Dental Visits

Regularly visiting our Collingwood Park Dental clinic evaluations will help you control enamel erosion. Our team will be able to diagnose the issue and provide treatment recommendations. We are ready to answer your questions, educate you on the best steps to keep your mouth healthy and make recommendations for your overall lifelong oral health. By knowing how to strengthen teeth, you can prevent enamel erosion and other dental problems.