How To Prevent Your Tooth Enamel From Eroding
Your enamel is a very important part of your teeth, with it being stronger than the bones themselves. However, this layer of enamel is very thin and only covers the portion of the tooth that is visible. Enamel may be strong, but it doesn't grow back after it's been eroded away. That's why it's important to know what breaks down tooth enamel so that you can prevent it from happening to you.
Be Conscious Of Problematic Foods
Tooth enamel is weak against bacteria, which is easily formed by the consumption of food with sugar and starches or by consuming foods that are very acidic. This probably includes a lot of foods that you consume often since it is things like sodas, flavored coffee, bread, and chips.
The problem is that these are not always things that you eat quickly but instead slowly consume over a long period of time. You may be sipping on a soda while watching TV, or slowly drinking your morning coffee at your desk. Your acidic drink then coats your teeth and stays there until something washes it off. It may be saliva that naturally coats your teeth over time, brushing your teeth, or having a glass of water.
That's why you want to be conscious of how you consume problematic foods, and take the necessary steps to make sure that bacteria doesn't form in your mouth. This can be done by rinsing your mouth out with water and not dragging out snacking over several hours at a time.
Chew Gum With Xylitol
Another way to keep your teeth clean is to chew gum that contains xylitol. Regular chewing gum with sugar in it is not going to work, since it is actually going to coat your teeth with the ingredients that cause bacteria. Xylitol works in the opposite way, where it can prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth during the day. That's why chewing gum is a great way to keep your mouth clean between meals, prevent the erosion of enamel, and even stop yourself from snacking on those problematic foods.
Neutralize Bacteria With Dairy
You may not realize how dairy products can help neutralize the bacteria in your mouth and prevent the enamel from eroding. However, you need to be eating the right dairy products, since anything that contains sugar is not going to neutralize the bacteria and can actually contribute to it. A cheese slice or a glass of milk can do a lot of good in preventing bacteria from forming, which is going to decrease the amount of enamel erosion you experience.
For more information about protecting your teeth, talk to a dentist.
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