Your tooth enamel is made up of minerals comprising calcium and phosphate. These minerals, along with bone and dentin, play a pivotal role in preventing tooth decay and cavities. However, as we grow older, these minerals erode resulting in a weak enamel. You can lose your tooth enamel due to one or both below reasons:
Consuming sugary and acidic foods
The bacteria that accumulate in your mouth.
And the truth is, once we lose the tooth enamel or bone, it’s difficult or rather close to impossible to regain them unless you are getting the entire tooth replaced.
Tips to remineralize your teeth
While it is true that there isn’t much you can do once you have a weak enamel or you lose it, what you can do is act now in protecting and restoring tooth enamel. You can do this by adopting teeth strengthening practices and by changing your food and lifestyle habits.
Making certain lifestyle changes can help in remineralizing teeth and restoring tooth enamel. The below practices and tips will help you rebuild your weak teeth.
Lifestyle choices:
Cut down on sugary drinks and foods-
The sugar that is present in your mouth when you eat and drink too many sugary foods is a gold mine for bacteria. They thrive and feed on this sugar and produce certain acids that soften your tooth enamel, leading to deterioration. You don’t have to stop sugar entirely, but conscious steps such as drinking water instead of a sweetened soda or eating fruits instead of a dessert will help you a long way.
Consume calcium-rich foods-
It is a well-known fact that calcium helps in teeth strengthening. Additionally, it also helps to counter the acids in your mouth that wear down your tooth enamel. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and curd are all rich in calcium. However, one must not go overboard with dairy products and consume them in moderation as the lactose present in milk products can also aid in acid production. You can alternatively ask your doctor to prescribe calcium supplements.
Eating disorders and acidity must be treated-
If you have conditions such as heartburn that cause acidity, the acids are sure to make their way into your mouth. This can erode your tooth enamel, leading to weak teeth. Additionally, eating disorders such as bulimia, which cause people to vomit their food are a major threat as one’s mouth is always in a constantly acidic state. Getting these conditions treated and adopting practices such as regularly rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouth wash is mandatory.
Keep your mouth hydrated-
Avoid drying your mouth by always hydrating it. If you exercise, make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid having a dry mouth.
Additional Oral Care Tips:
Avoid brushing your teeth for too long. Over-brushing your teeth, brushing it too hard or fast can wear it down exposing it to cavities and decays. Use the Oral-B Vitality Series electric toothbrush which comes with 2D technology to help you achieve comprehensive cleaning of your mouth. Its round head oscillates and rotates around your teeth to reach every corner and crevice, helping you remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush
Always use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Fluoride is known to make your teeth resistant to the acids that causes cavities . You can also opt for a mouth wash that has fluoride for efficient mouth cleaning.
When to see the doctor?
It is suggested that you have a regular appointment with your dentist every six months or so to ensure that your teeth enamel and teeth are strong and healthy. If you see signs of cavities and decays or anything rather unusual, make sure to consult a dentist immediately.
FAQs
Can you rebuild tooth enamel?
You can restore your tooth enamel by adopting teeth strengthening practices and by changing your food and lifestyle habits.
How can I fix the weak enamel on my teeth?
Your dentist can help you guide through dental procedures and oral hygiene habits to rebuild your tooth enamel.
Can enamel be strengthened?
Strengthening your enamel, also known as remineralizing teeth, can be done by increasing calcium intake in the form of food or vitamin supplements.
