General dentistry involves maintaining good oral health, which includes keeping the enamel of the teeth strong and healthy. The enamel is the outer surface of the teeth, which protects the inner portions. Maintaining healthy enamel is not difficult; however, it is important to know how to do so. Keep reading to find out more!
How to maintain healthy enamel
Outlined below are a few general dentistry tips for how to maintain healthy tooth enamel. These tips should be reviewed in-depth in order to keep up with good oral health.
Avoid certain foods
A good general dentistry tip to be mindful of is to avoid certain foods. The tooth enamel is very tough, but it is also quite sensitive. For example, foods that are too rough, chewy, or sticky can harm the enamel by stripping it or causing damage to the surface. Dentists recommend foods that do not require excessive amounts of chewing in order to maintain good oral health.
Be mindful of certain beverages
Certain beverages contain a lot of acids, which can harm the tooth enamel. General dentistry tips for beverages include avoiding excess amounts of soda, coffee, or alcohol. Of course, these beverages are okay to consume from time to time; however, it is recommended to rinse with water afterward or brush immediately after consumption is complete.
The acids in these beverages can eat the enamel of the teeth away, resulting in sensitivity, cavities, and staining, all of which will require additional treatments to correct.
Brush at least twice a day
Another general dentistry tip for maintaining healthy tooth enamel is to brush twice a day, if not after every meal. It is advised to use a soft or medium bristled toothbrush in addition to a toothpaste that contains fluoride. A hard-bristled toothbrush can be used once a week; however, overuse can be too rough on the enamel. Toothpaste with fluoride should only be used a few times a week, as overuse can also damage the enamel.
Use mouthwash
A lot of mouthwashes contain fluoride, which is a dental agent used to mineralize the surface of the teeth. Fluoride keeps the enamel strong and healthy, which helps to prevent cavities, chips, or cracks. General dentists do advise using mouthwash in moderation. Most contain alcohol, which can be harmful to the oral cavity if overused. Additionally, alcohol-based mouthwashes can stain the enamel of the teeth, resulting in a need for teeth whitening.
Visit the general dentist on a regular basis
Finally, it is advised to visit the general dentist on a regular basis. The dentist can take certain preventive measures to help keep the enamel strong and healthy. Most commonly fluoride is applied to mineralize the enamel; however, dental sealants can also be applied to protect the surface of the teeth.
To find out more about maintaining healthy tooth enamel in general dentistry, reach out today. Additionally, our general dentistry practice can get you scheduled for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Long Beach, CA.
Recent Posts
Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as well as overall health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams are a crucial aspect of oral healthcare that maintains healthy teeth. However, there are many myths surrounding exams.The following are three of the most common myths about dental exams, as…
Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…
Not flossing regularly can increase the risk of developing oral health concerns, such as dental cavities and periodontal disease, so a general dentist encourages patients to floss several times a day and stick to a consistent oral care schedule to reduce the risk of oral health complications in the future. Flossing is essential to good oral…
Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are a lot of key steps that many people neglect in taking care of their teeth. Let us take a look at some of…