Keeping your teeth healthy is essential for a long lasting, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, many of us don’t realize that our teeth can be easily damaged by everyday activities such as brushing and eating. Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay and damage, but it can wear away over time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect and maintain oral hygiene. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the importance of tooth enamel, the causes of enamel erosion, and the top tips for protecting and maintaining it. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
What is Tooth Enamel and what does it do?
It is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay and damage. Enamel is made up of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and it covers the entire surface of your teeth, from the gums to the tips of the roots. Teeth naturally have a small amount of enamel when you’re born, but the rest is formed throughout childhood. As you age, enamel gradually wears away, and teeth become more susceptible to damage. The best way to protect your tooth enamel is to practice good oral hygiene.
This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing daily to remove plaque and debris between your teeth. These practices remove harmful bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. You should also visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning to catch any potential issues early.
Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion
One of the easiest ways to protect it is to avoid damaging it in the first place. If you already have enamel erosion, there are still steps you can take to protect your teeth from further harm. Here are some of the most common causes of enamel erosion:
Eating Acids or Sugary Foods and Drinks: Some foods and drinks contain acids that can damage tooth enamel, while others contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Brushing Too Hard: Brushing too hard can cause enamel to wear away faster.
Not Using Fluoride: Not using fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride products leaves your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.
Aging: As you age, enamel naturally wears away, making teeth more susceptible to damage.
Tips for Protecting and Maintaining Tooth Enamel
If you already have enamel erosion, you can take steps to repair and protect your teeth from further damage. Here are some tips for protecting and maintaining it:
Brush and Floss Regularly: For optimal oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and debris between your teeth. Don’t overbrush.
Avoid Acids and Sugary Foods and Drinks: Avoid drinking sodas and other sugary drinks, as well as acidic foods and beverages (such as citrus fruits, tomato sauce, wine, etc.) that can damage tooth enamel.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular appointments with your dentist to catch any potential issues early, such as cavities and tooth decay.
Use Fluoride Products: Use fluoride mouthwash, toothpaste, and other products to protect against cavities and tooth decay.
Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and dairy products.
Indications of tooth enamel reshaping are
- Firstly, change the minor height differences in the tooth.
- To remove the irregularities caused by fluorosis.
- To correct a small chipped tooth.
- Make smile look younger.
- Correcting smile after orthodontics.
What will exactly be done to my front teeth?
The dentist uses the air rotor with high flow water and suction. This air rotor has a bur attached to it. Depending in the experience of the dentist different burs can used. These burs then placed on the surface of the tooth and then the tooth reshape. The dentist using their aesthetic sense and the certain principles like the golden proportion, and aesthetic smile designing. Above all, cosmetic Contouring is one of the least aggressive forms of treatment.
Conclusion
Enamel erosion can lead to dental damage, such as decay or tooth sensitivity. Protecting and maintaining your tooth enamel can help prevent these problems and keep your teeth strong and healthy. To do so, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to remove plaque and debris between your teeth, avoid drinking sugary drinks and acidic foods and beverages and use fluoride products to protect against tooth decay. Additionally, you should wear a mouth guard when you play sports to protect your teeth from injury. With these tips and guidelines, you can protect and maintain it for years to come.
