Did you know that your teeth are the strongest part of your body? In fact, the enamel that surrounds and protects them is stronger than any substance on earth, except diamonds. With such an impressive composition, you may wonder how tooth decay could manage to affect the permanent teeth of over 90% of adults in America. The truth is that, strong though your teeth may be, their strength lies in the level of care you afford your dental health, and without proper care and maintenance, your teeth’s ultra-resilient enamel will grow too weak to protect your teeth from even the smallest invaders. To help you preserve the strength and health of your teeth, your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Young, offers these tips for to make your teeth stronger.
The Weakening of Tooth Enamel
The secret to maintaining your tooth enamel is minerals. Enamel is comprised almost entirely of mineral crystals (mainly calcium and phosphate), and while enamel cannot repair itself when damaged, it can regain strength by absorbing more minerals when it’s weakened. The biggest threat to your enamel comes in the form of acid produced by oral bacteria after consuming sugars and carbs. This acid depletes your teeth of essential minerals, weakening your enamel in the process. Over time, enamel can grow too weak to repel the bacteria that infect your tooth and lead to tooth decay.
Tips for Stronger Teeth
To help reduce the rate of acid erosion, protect your teeth from acid’s effects, and strengthen your enamel in the face of acid attacks, follow Dr. Lafayette’s tips closely;
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to control acid-producing bacteria
- Refrain from snacking excessively to reduce the frequency of acid attacks on your teeth
- Consume plenty of calcium and phosphate in the form of dairy, meats, and/or nutritional supplements
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated, and to neutralize bacterial acid in your mouth
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse, and drink filtered tap water (tap water contains trace amounts of fluoride)
- Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning, or sooner if your teeth are especially at risk
Keep Your Teeth Strong & Healthy with Help from Your Lafayette Dentist
If you live in the 70508 area and would like to learn how you can enjoy healthier, stronger teeth, then schedule an appointment with your Lafayette cosmetic dentist by calling Dr. Young at (337) 237-6453. Located in the 70508 area, we proudly serve patients from Lafayette and all surrounding communities.
