It goes without saying that our oral health impacts our overall health. If you want to lead a healthy life, having optimal oral health is of paramount importance. And for this, you need strong teeth and gums.
Now the question here arises, how to strengthen teeth and gums. Fortunately, there is a multitude of ways to do this. However, for teeth, in particular, the first and foremost requirement is strengthening enamel as it serves as the outer protective layer of our teeth. It is basically a hard tissue, which is prone to get damaged mainly due to the acid which is produced by the bacteria in plaque. And when the enamel is damaged, teeth become more sensitive and there’s a risk of cavities and gum diseases as well.
On this note, let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to strengthen teeth:
Brush and Floss Regularly
It is recommended to brush twice a day, once in the morning and then before hitting the bed. This will help prevent plaque buildup. Adopting this habit also significantly reduces the food supply to bacteria. Similarly, floss your teeth regularly as well.
Make sure you are brushing your teeth the right way. Do not brush too hard or exert a lot of pressure as it can result in weakened tooth enamel. Furthermore, pay attention to the brush you choose. Ideally, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Other than that, the timing of brushing your teeth matters the most when it comes to strengthening teeth. For example, if you have consumed acidic foods, wait for about an hour before brushing. This is due to the fact that enamel becomes softer than usual when we eat acidic food. Therefore, brushing immediately after can cause more harm instead of strengthening teeth.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
One of the basic things you can do is to use your regular toothpaste to strengthen teeth, provided it contains fluoride. Many dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste as it plays an active role in remineralizing/repairing the teeth’s protective layer, i.e. enamel.
Having said that, it’s important to note that there are some drawbacks to using fluoride. This mineral, when swallowed in a high dose, can become toxic and damage ligaments and bones. This is why it is recommended to oversee your kids when they are brushing so that they do not swallow the toothpaste.
Drink More Water and Limit the Intake of Juices and Soda
Oral health experts believe that fruit juice and soda happen to be the biggest reasons for tooth decay, leading to weakened teeth.
The sugar in soda becomes the source of food bacteria and aids it in producing acid. Juices, on the other hand, are considerably worse, as they include both carbohydrates and acids. Calcium chelation is a process caused by fruit acids. Acids bind to calcium and remove it from enamel during calcium chelation. Acidic beverages also erode enamel. This is why it is recommended to drink water to maintain a healthy dental hygiene practice.
Another strategy to improve enamel health is to avoid refined sugar, which is a major component of many sodas. Basically, you have to watch what you eat and drink for improved oral health. This is one of the most effective natural ways to strengthen teeth.
Include Enamel-protecting Foods in Your Diet
There are certain foods that strengthen teeth as they help in protecting enamel. Among them, cheese and milk are particularly important as they reduce acid in the mouth and supply necessary nutrients and minerals at the same time. Other than that, you can eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and shitake mushrooms. These are some of the foods good for teeth.
Lastly, visiting your dentist for regular checkups, ideally twice a year is another way to strengthen your teeth. During your visit, they will examine your teeth and ensure your oral health is optimal. They may also suggest some vitamins to strengthen teeth.