Proper brushing and regular visits to your dentist are imperative tasks for healthy and attractive teeth. However, certain food and beverages can damage the surface of your teeth. Enamel acts as a coating for your teeth, protecting the underlying bone and nerves from damage and infections. Unfortunately, your enamel can easily erode, resulting in tooth sensitivity or pain, infections, and an unappealing smile. Using this guide, you can protect or restore your tooth enamel.

Possible Eroders

Dental erosion does not occur on its own. In most cases, a large consumption of certain ingredients will damage the surface enamel. If you are dealing with severe tooth discoloration or other symptoms of eroded enamel, consult your dentist. In most cases, you will need to reduce the intake of the following foods and beverages:

• Fruit/Juice – Fruit is an imperative for proper nourishment, but consuming an excessive amount of fruits and juices can quickly damage your tooth enamel. Avoid eating too many oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits since these fruits contain high levels of citric acid. In addition, reduce the amount of juices you drink that include these fruits in the ingredients
• Soda – If you drink soda, you may be consuming an estimated 2.6 glasses each day. This sweet beverage is not only sugary, but soda also erodes your surface enamel due to its acidic properties.
• Sticky, Chewy Foods – While obvious, candy is also bad for your teeth. However, candy is not the only sticky, chewy food causing your enamel to erode. Pancake syrup, jellies, jams, peanut butter, and many condiments stick to the surface of your teeth until you are able to brush them away. Unfortunately, you may not be able to brush immediately after eating these foods, so the sugary or acidic ingredients can begin to damage your enamel.

Your enamel erosion may stem from everyday habits, also. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping, you may be damaging your enamel. Ask a professional dentist, like those at HC Dentistry, for a mouth guard to wear at night. This customized appliance will protect your teeth from the abuse of tooth grinding. In addition, chewing ice, whether on purpose or by accident, can damage your enamel and wear down your teeth.

Restore your Enamel

Depending on the severity of your dental erosion, your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers to cover your teeth. Or, a specialized toothpaste to restore your enamel. You can use the following ingredients to create a natural, safe, and effective remineralization toothpaste at home:

• 3 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 3 tablespoons of calcium magnesium powder
• 25 drops of peppermint essential oi for flavor

Combine the ingredients in a small container. To brush, wet your toothbrush before applying a ½-teaspoon of the paste. Brush as normal.

Restoring your surface enamel is key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Using this guide, you will understand the importance of protecting or restoring your tooth enamel to ensure a healthy, happy smile.