Enamel is our teeth’s first line of defense against wear and harmful bacteria. It is, in fact, the hardest substance in the human body. A little bit of wear and tear is normal. But with continued neglect, the enamel can become incredibly frail, leaving your teeth vulnerable to damage. Next thing you know, you have a cavity, followed by a persistent toothache, and now you can’t sleep. Maybe, you’ve even developed gum disease. The fact is, protecting your tooth enamel is critical to your overall oral hygiene and dental health. Here are a few tips from our family dentist in Richmond Heights, Mo, on how you can keep your teeth healthy and smile beautiful all the time.
Brush Regularly
Growing up, brushing teeth is often one of the lessons parents tend to emphasize. Maybe you were told to brush after every meal or at least thrice a day. Whatever the case, the idea behind brushing teeth is always the same: getting rid of plaque. Plaque refers to a transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. It usually harbors bacteria that produce acid, rendering the teeth susceptible to cavities and teeth decay. While brushing teeth is important, don’t overdo it. Brushing your teeth too hard can cause some wear on the enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and dental sensitivity.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Sugary foods and drinks are perhaps the biggest culprits of dental cavities. Therefore if you have a sweet tooth, you should be wary. Sugary foods and drinks tend to be very acidic and thus promote bacteria growth and subsequently dental erosion. It’s not wrong to have a candy or two. Just do it in moderation.
Check on your diet
What you eat can do a lot for your teeth. Yes, you can limit the number of sugary foods and drinks that you consume. But are you infusing your teeth with the essential minerals they need? To strengthen your enamel, eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt and milk. Fruits and vegetables are also great for teeth. Apart from being loaded with vitamins and minerals, they also increase saliva flow, reducing the harmful effects of acid.
Visit the dentist regularly.
Many people dread visiting a dentist. Our fears stem from a number of reasons. It could be the fear of pain or a bad experience you had. But dental phobia shouldn’t be the reason you don’t go for a dental check-up. Regular dental appointments can allow you to identify signs of trouble early enough. Your dentist will then recommend ways you can improve your dental health and overall oral hygiene. Our family dentist in Richmond Heights, Mo, generally recommends making two dental appointments a year, one in the least.
Richmond Heights Dentist
Proper dental care lets you keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s critical to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. If you are looking for an exceptional family dentist in Richmond Heights, Mo, we’ve got you covered. We offer a comprehensive suite of dental services to help you achieve and maintain the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Give us a call today.