How to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface of your teeth. It is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body – even harder than bone – and it serves to protect your teeth from decay.

Knowing the function and importance of enamel, however, is not enough. You also need to know how to take care of it and keep it strong. We’ve got you covered. Take a look at the following 6 simple ways you can strengthen your tooth enamel.

Brush well to strengthen tooth enamel

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that won’t harm your gums. Along with flossing, consistency with the proper brushing technique will keep your teeth free from the acids and bacteria that harm your enamel. To ensure you’re using the proper technique for brushing, ask your dentist to watch you brush and to make recommendations for improvement if necessary.

Choose your toothpaste wisely to strengthen tooth enamel

Fluoride-enhanced toothpaste helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of decay. And research has shown that toothpaste containing sodium chloride, dissolved calcium, and fluoride ions can both protect and restore enamel. Look for ADA-approved labels on toothpaste.

Drink your milk and eat your leafy greens to strengthen tooth enamel

Calcium and phosphorous are particularly important for building bones and strengthening teeth, and leafy greens contain both. Dairy products do, too. The calcium these foods contain can even help enhance enamel remineralization, which means you may be able to reverse some enamel loss by drinking your milk and eating your leafy green vegetables.

Surrender the sugary and sour candies to strengthen tooth enamel

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it many more times in our careers as dental professionals: foods high in sugar and starches create bacteria that turns into enamel-weakening acids. Soda, high acidic foods and those, like sour candies, that combine both acid and sugar, are the worst culprits and can cause extensive damage to enamel. These foods are best avoided.

Chew sugar-free gum to strengthen tooth enamel

Chewing gum after meals increases the flow of saliva, which helps to neutralize and wash away the acids that harm your enamel. The additional saliva also supplies extra enamel-strengthening calcium and phosphate.

Beware of (and address) bruxism to strengthen tooth enamel

Bruxism is just a fancy word to refer to teeth grinding, which can wear down your tooth enamel and even fracture or chip your teeth. Even when you’re not aware you’re doing it in your sleep, teeth grinding can do serious damage. Talk to your dentist about options, such as a custom-fitted mouthguard, to protect your teeth.

How do you know if you need to strengthen your enamel?

At Town Center Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo, our dental professionals have over a century of collective experience in the industry. When you come in for your biannual visit, we’ll take a look at your enamel and let you know if you need to pay particular attention to strengthening it.  

Additionally, signs of weakened enamel may include:

•     Sensitivity
•     Discoloration
•     Cracks and chips

If between visits you experience any of these signs, give us a call or drop by to make an appointment. The sooner you can get started taking the above steps to remineralize your enamel, the stronger your teeth and the brighter your smile will be.