Healthy Teeth: The Mineral Files
By: Stephen Price DDS | Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 | Oral Health
Tuesday, January 30th, 2018
Our teeth are important fixtures that are integral to health and wellness. We often pay attention to the appearance of our teeth more than anything else. If the idea of actual oral health comes up, it is tooth decay and gum disease that we want to take steps to prevent. There is an underlying matter that needs to be recognized, though. For teeth to be strong, they need to have adequate mineralization.
The Danger of Enamel Erosion
In recent years, we have come face to face with the problem of enamel erosion. Enamel is the hard substance that blankets the softer materials deeper within teeth. It is often called the hardest substance in the body. Being hard doesn’t make enamel indestructible, though. Eating and drinking acidic products, even fruit juice, can degrade the outer shell on teeth. Eating a diet high in carbohydrates, which many people do today, also promotes acidity and the breakdown of enamel. The problem with this process is that enamel is not a substance that regenerates in harsh conditions. Adequate mineral stores are necessary for enamel to stay strong.
How to Protect Enamel
The steps to protecting enamel are relatively easy. They boil down to what we eat and how we care for our teeth.
- Eating well means consuming products that support remineralization. The body actually knows how to put minerals back into tooth enamel because the loss of minerals is a natural consequence of chewing. The goal is to put more minerals back in than are being lost. Foods that are good for remineralization include celery, apples, wild-caught fish, eggs, and cheese.
- Oral care. It is good to brush. It is better to brush correctly. Research suggests that electric and sonic toothbrushes are advantageous for a healthier mouth. Whichever type of brush you choose, though, you need to brush for two full minutes; every morning and every night. Technique needs to be gentle, and bristles need to touch teeth at a 45-degree angle to get the best results.
- A little something extra. Some people need a boost in order to prevent enamel from wearing down prematurely. Topical fluoride may help with this. Many cities have fluoridated drinking water, and most bottled waters also contain fluoride. However, there may be a need for a little more in some cases.
Our goal is to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. For friendly dental care, call (703)750-9404.
