When people think of dental damage they often think about dental traumas and accidents. Undoubtedly, many people develop dental problems because of sporting or vehicular accidents, for example, but the truth is that the leading causes of dental damage are much more prosaic and ubiquitous.
Today our Saint Louis dentists are helping you combat some of the everyday causes of dental damage. Here are some simple things that you can do as part of your daily routine to protect your smile.
1. Drink plenty of water
Water is your smile’s best friend. When you drink water, you stay hydrated, and you empower your body to produce plenty of saliva. Saliva helps to re-mineralize enamel and neutralize harmful oral bacteria. You can also use water to rinse your smile after eating, so as to dislodge food particles and plaque from your smile.
2. Consume sugar smartly
We all know that sugar is harmful for your oral health. When you do indulge in sugary treats, do it in such a way as to minimize the harm done to your smile. Consume sugary in short sitting, rather than snacking or sipping through the day. Rinse your smile with water directly after consumption so that sugar is not able to sit on your smile.
3. Beware of acidic substances
Many foods and drinks that we love contain a lot of acid, and acid weakens dental enamel over time. Fruit juices, soft drinks, wine, and whole citrus fruits, for example, all have high acid levels. Again, rinsing your smile can help to minimize the effect of dietary acid. Additionally, make sure that you wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after eating/drinking to brush your teeth; your dental enamel is actually weaker directly after acid exposure, so brushing during this time period may inadvertently buff away tooth structure.
Caring for your smile every day takes more than just brushing and flossing. Our Saint Louis dentists are happy to give you any more information that you may need—just give us a call to schedule a personal consultation!