Our Saint Louis dentists have found, over time, that the more our patients understand about the mechanics of maintaining dental health, the better prepared they are to make important decisions to protect their smiles day to day. With that in mind, keep reading to learn more about 3 primary threats to healthy dental enamel…
Bacteria
We all want to avoid developing dental cavities and periodontal disease; these oral health problems are both uncomfortable and inconvenient. Keep in mind that caries and gum disease are both caused by harmful oral bacteria building up over time. That is why it is so important for you to keep up with your schedule of professional cleanings as well as daily at-home maintenance.
Acid
When your dental enamel comes into contact with an acidic substance, the enamel becomes (temporarily) softer and weaker. Unfortunately, this means that it is easier for oral bacteria to infiltrate your natural dental tissues. Additionally, your teeth are more susceptible to developing cracks and chips while in this weakened state. Get into the habit of rinsing your smile after acid exposure in order to promote enamel remineralization. And, try to wait for at least twenty to thirty minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth.
Accidents
While some dental accidents are unavoidable, there are many instances in which we can proactively protect our teeth from potential damage. If, for example, you take part in contact or extreme sports, you will probably want to wear a personalized mouthguard to shield your smile from impact. We also encourage you to seek prompt treatment for bruxism (tooth grinding and clenching), and to refrain from chewing on ice and hard candies, as these can all lead to cracked or chipped enamel.
Take steps to protect your enamel from damage before problems pop up. As always, our Saint Louis dentists are happy to answer any questions that you may have—give us a call!