Simple Ways To Strengthen Your Teeth

If you want to strengthen your teeth there are some things you can do to help. Having strong teeth is just as important as strong bones.

According to CTNow.com’s “Best Dentist - Hartford,” Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD,  many of her patients, who are themselves doctors and dentists,  know how important it is to keep teeth clean and healthy. Their healthy smiles are kept that way with a wholesome diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups.

Tooth Enamel

The enamel on your teeth needs to be strong and healthy in order to protect the inner layers of your teeth from bacteria, acid and tooth decay. Watching your diet can help strengthen your teeth and help prevent against enamel erosion.

At first glance, teeth that are white and bright may appear healthy, but weak enamel can still wreak havoc for your oral health. Weak enamel isn’t determined by the color of your smile.

No Regeneration

Unfortunately, once the enamel is gone, there’s not much you can do about it. Enamel can weaken because of illness and genetics and of course, poor oral hygiene habits. Brushing too hard will eventually cause the enamel on your teeth to break down as well. Your bones contain regenerative cells, but the enamel on your teeth doesn’t. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is important if you want to stop additional erosion.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Basil explains that this, “demineralization,” literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Brush and Floss Correctly

Brushing twice and flossing once each day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth. Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a 45-degree angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes. Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria loves to linger in places that your toothbrush misses.

The saliva that you produce after you brush can also help with demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth. Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth.

Remineralize your Diet

Choosing a diet that is healthy for the enamel on your teeth isn’t that difficult, especially when you consider that weakened tooth enamel was not a huge problem for your ancestors. Ancient humans show very little signs of weakened tooth enamel—think foods in their natural states, light on the sugar and the processing.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Basil explains that this literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Remineralize

One of the best ways to strengthen your teeth is with remineralizing products. Talk to Dr. Basil about mineral fluoride. If you don’t drink your tap water, or if your cities water isn’t fluoridated, ask Dr. Basil for some supplement suggestions to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Since the Industrial Revolution, modern diets have increased tooth decay and gum disease. However, according to top Dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, some foods can help the enamel on your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends a balanced diet using these food groups for healthy teeth and gums.

• Whole Grains
• Lean Proteins
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Low-Fat Dairy

Certain foods, such as cheese are known to prevent demineralization as it helps promote the flow of saliva. Saliva maintains the pH levels in your mouth, which also reduce acid production. Celery, Mother Nature’s dental floss, is high in water and can also help remineralize your teeth.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment today with Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil at her West Hartford Center office, or her Downtown New Britain office.

Keep Smiling,
 
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121