General Dentistry Tips: 5 Ways to Make Teeth Stronger

The key to keeping your teeth strong is paying special attention to their outer surface, namely the enamel. On top of brushing and flossing, your diet and specific health conditions can also impact tooth health and strength.

Tooth enamel is very durable and strong and protects teeth from decay. However, once it gets cracked, chipped, or damaged, it does not regenerate and must be restored or repaired through dental procedures. 

Here are 5 ways to make teeth stronger and healthier so that they don’t get easily damaged:

Practice Proper Brushing

We recommend you wait for at least half an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth. In addition, we recommend using fluoride toothpaste which helps teeth resist acid and bacteria attacks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and do not brush too vigorously as this can damage your gums.

Address Teeth Grinding

Prolonged teeth grinding can chip or fracture your teeth or cause them to loosen and even fall out. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, seek professional help right away. Treatment options include customized mouthguards that you can wear during sleep, as well as muscle relaxants or an exercise plan if stress is the reason for your teeth grinding. 

Avoid Harmful Foods

Candy and sugary sweets are harmful to our teeth. The sugar in sweets feeds bacteria and helps them release acids that affect the tooth enamel. Starchy foods like bread and chips are also harmful as they can get trapped between your teeth, feed harmful bacteria, and cause tooth decay. 

Eat Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium is necessary for strong, healthy teeth because it helps remineralize enamel. Calcium-rich foods also neutralize the acids that harm the enamel. Include a healthy amount of dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts into your diet. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water as it boosts your saliva production and helps transfer calcium to your teeth.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups to identify dental problems before they cause damage to your teeth and gums. During these exams, you will also learn correct brushing and flossing techniques and the proper dietary habits that can ensure your teeth stay strong.

Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira at Alencar Family Dentistry in Chesapeake, Virginia, provides solutions that improve your oral health while transforming your smile. Visit our office at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320, or call (757) 546-0301 for an appointment.