Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on the healthy habits we can cultivate in order to help protect our dental enamel against decay and acid erosion. In Part 1, the panel of Colorado Springs dentists we consulted with explained that Step # 1 and # 2 in the right direction were: (1) decrease the amount of sugar in your diet – that means avoiding sodas, fruit juices and sugary snacks, sweeties and candies, and (2) increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free yogurts, cheeses and milk.
Let’s take a look at the next two important tips for great enamel health and beautiful teeth…
Healthy Enamel Tip # 3: Don’t Over-brush!
Orthodontists in Colorado Springs typically recommend that patients opt for a medium to soft-bristled brush and make use of short circular strokes when brushing their teeth. If you notice that the bristles of your toothbrush become frayed soon after coming out of the packaging, then you are probably brushing too hard. This kind of habit can also cause the gums to recede from the crowns of the teeth, which reveals the darker and more sensitive tooth roots. This is frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity in adults.
“It’s important that you brush correctly because the whole point of this exercise is to protect your teeth, not damage them,” say the dentists. “Also, try not to brush immediately after eating because the sugars and acids naturally contained by the foods we eat can soften your dental enamel. Wait 30 minutes and your enamel will remineralize as the pH levels in your mouth neutralize.”
Healthy Enamel Tip # 4: Seek Treatment for Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Bulimia
Another problem that can, in the long term, do terrible damage to your teeth is an eating disorder known as bulimia. Repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to stomach acid. This, coupled with the binge eating of usually unhealthy, sugar-rich foods can put your teeth on the fast track to decay, so it is crucial that Colorado Springs residents suffering from this condition seek professional treatment for it.
Stay Tuned for Part 3
Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to learn more about the necessary healthy habits for good dental health, courtesy of the advice of our panel of Colorado Springs dentists.