Dentists get this question all the time and we are here to not only answer the question, but to talk about caring for your tooth enamel.
In short, you can restore your tooth enamel, but only to a certain extent. Severe damage and cavities prevent you from being able to restore enamel around the affected area. The best way to care for your enamel is keeping it healthy so it does not have to be restored.
If it does get damaged, here are some ways to care for it, and some preventative measures as well!
What Is Tooth Enamel?
First, lets talk about what tooth enamel is. Tooth enamel surrounds your tooth, protecting the softer tissues inside of your teeth. It is the tooth’s first defense against any kind of damage, but especially cavities. Enamel is one of the hardest substances the body creates!
What Damages Tooth Enamel?
Enamel has one big weakness—acid. Acidic foods or acid created by bacteria interacting with sugar decays your enamel. When dentists say that sugar creates cavities, it does, but it first damages your enamel.
Other elements or routines that damage enamel include:
- Chlorine
- Acid reflux
- Super salty foods
- Super tart foods
- Candy
- Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism)
- High-impact sports
Your teeth are strong, so they can eat some of these foods and sweets, but only in small quantities as eating a lot will threaten your enamel.
To avoid physical damage from grinding and sports, try using a mouth guard while sleeping or playing.
Knowing if Your Enamel is Damaged
Your enamel is likely damaged if your teeth feel rough even after brushing. This is especially true for the fronts of your teeth. The roughness can be felt mostly by your tongue but potentially by your nail or your finger.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity to cold or sugar, that is also a sign that your enamel is damaged and there is perhaps even a cavity present.
How to Restore Your Tooth Enamel
Thankfully, if you have damaged enamel, it is repairable if the damage is not extensive! At home, if you find that you have rough teeth, schedule an appointment with us at Vibrant Dental first.
To repair at home while you wait for your appointment, use toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride and calcium. Many mouthwash brands have specific enamel-strengthening kinds, so look for those when you are getting a new mouthwash. Make sure to avoid acidic and sugary drinks while you care for your teeth.
If your enamel is damaged past the point where it can be remedied with specialized mouthwash and toothpaste, our dentists may suggest dental bonding to seal the area or a veneer. This will protect the area from getting a cavity in the future.
Remineralization
The process of restoring your tooth enamel using fluoride and calcium is called remineralization. Mouthwash can help when you have damaged your enamel, but remineralization happens every day.
To assist in the day-to-day of remineralization, and aid the upkeep of healthy enamel:
- Drink lots of water! Water helps you create saliva, which delivers calcium and fluoride to your teeth.
- Have a diet rich in vitamins, especially calcium. Milk and nuts are great sources.
- Visit the dentist twice a year—their tools can clean your teeth more closely than your regular toothbrush, and they can detect problems early for proactive care.
Keep Your Enamel Healthy with Daily Care
The best option for reviving your tooth enamel is to not damage it too hard in the first place. Aiding it in day-to-day remineralization keeps your smile and enamel clean and and stunning. Come visit us for an enamel strengthening cleaning and dental health checkup today!