5 Easy Ways to Stop Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel erosion is one of those things that it’s almost impossible to avoid. After all, around 90 percent of adults in the US have had at least one cavity. Around 25 percent of adults have a cavity right now.
Despite being widespread, there is that small portion of people who never get cavities. Some of it is just luck of the draw with good genes that support strong, healthy teeth. Some of it, though, comes out of good oral health behaviors.
If you’re worried tooth decay is on your horizon, keep reading for five ways you can stop tooth enamel erosion.
1. Reduce Stress
One of tooth enamel’s big enemies is gastric acid. Things like stress can make your acid reflux worse, which will negatively affect your teeth.
Reducing stress reduces stomach acid production, which can help alleviate acid reflux. Limiting stress is also a boon for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. It’s a win-win-win.
2. Regular Oral Care
Poor home dental care exposes your tooth enamel to a lot of things that will erode it. You need a consistent dental care routine that includes brushing at least twice daily. That helps remove bacteria and food from the surface of your teeth.
You should also use dental floss at least once a day to clean out the spaces between your teeth. This helps you avoid enamel decay between teeth where spotting and fixing it are problematic.
3. Dietary Changes
There are lots of things in the average American’s diet that are tough on enamel. Highly acidic foods, for example, wear on your enamel. So do foods with a lot of sugar in them.
The good news is that there are many better oral health foods you can choose from, such as sugar-free alternatives. You should also look for calcium-rich and vitamin C-rich foods to support gum and tooth health.
4. Use a Flouride Toothpaste
While almost any toothpaste is sufficient to help clean your teeth, it doesn’t mean they add any support. You can get fluoride-enhanced toothpaste that will help strengthen teeth and protect tooth enamel.
5. See Your Dentist
While you cannot grow back your enamel, seeing your dentist can help you catch tooth erosion early. For example, getting a small cavity repaired helps protect the remaining enamel on that tooth. For badly damaged teeth, your dentist can offer options like crowns and veneers that protect your teeth from additional damage.
You Can Help Stop Tooth Enamel Erosion
While it’s often not a priority for the young, you can help stop tooth enamel erosion in several important ways. At the very top is good daily dental care at home. That means good brushing, flossing, and even using fluoride-enhanced toothpaste.
You can make dietary changes that cut down on acidic and sugary foods while adding vitamin C and calcium. Reducing stress can help you cut down on stomach acid eroding enamel. Make a point to see your dentist.
Looking for more dental or general health tips? Check out the posts over in our Health section.
