The enamel on your teeth is one of the strongest substances in the human body, but daily wear and tear can take a toll. When enamel weakens over time, teeth are more susceptible to decay and discoloration. Therefore, if you want a bright, even smile, you need to know how to make your teeth stronger. Making a few simple changes makes it possible to boost your enamel’s strength and keep your teeth healthy.
How to Make Your Teeth Stronger With Good Dental Hygiene
One of the most important parts of having stronger teeth is taking good care of them. Proper dental hygiene is essential because it helps control dangerous bacteria in the mouth. If you do not clean your teeth correctly, the bacteria will flourish. As they grow, they produce acidic waste and other byproducts that gradually eat away at your enamel. This can sound a little scary, but fortunately, it is easy to avoid!
All you have to do is make a little time to clean your teeth regularly. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. The fluoride in toothpaste can help to remineralize teeth, building stronger enamel each time you brush. Make sure you floss once a day as well since toothbrushes cannot get between teeth. Finally, remember to schedule a regular dental cleaning every six months. This gets rid of buildup you cannot reach, and it also ensures any minor cavities or other problems are caught before it is too late. At your cleanings, you can also ask about fluoride treatments to further boost tooth strength.
Foods to Eat to Strengthen Your Teeth
The foods you eat also have a huge impact on the strength of your teeth. Your enamel is primarily made up of minerals like calcium and phosphate. However, your body also needs these minerals to build healthy bones. If you are not getting enough of these minerals, your body can actually leach calcium from the teeth to keep bones in good condition. A few small changes to your usual diet can keep this from happening. Calcium-rich foods, including almonds, kale, broccoli, tofu, sesame seeds, cheese, yogurt, and navy beans, can help keep your teeth strong. Your body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium properly, so be sure to eat plenty of foods rich with vitamin D like eggs, salmon, tuna, liver, and mushrooms.
Activities to Avoid If You Want Stronger Enamel
Part of making teeth as strong as possible is knowing what not to do as well. One of the big things you need to do is avoid eating sugar whenever possible. Sugar feeds the bacteria that weaken enamel over time, making it problematic. If you do want to eat sugary or starchy foods, try to rinse your teeth afterward. Another common cause of weakened enamel is acidic foods and beverages. This can include things like citrus fruit, tomatoes, coffee, and vinegar. Since most sodas are high in both acidity and sugar, they can be particularly bad for your teeth.
After eating acidic foods, wait 15 minutes before brushing your teeth. This gives teeth time to remineralize, so the brushing does not wear away temporarily softened enamel. To give teeth the chance to strengthen, you should also avoid things that put excess wear and tear on teeth. This means you may need to talk to your dentist about mouthguards to prevent grinding at night. Another common cause of extra wear is an improper bite due to crooked teeth. This can be addressed with braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Get the Right Dental Help Today at Lovett Dental Northside
By getting the right minerals, regularly cleaning your teeth, and avoiding weakening activities, you can build strong teeth. Lovett Dental Northside is happy to help you keep your teeth strong by assisting with dental cleanings, fillings, fluoride treatments, and more. Get the smile you have always dreamed of by calling Lovett Dental Northside at 713-691-5551.
