Making Your Teeth Stronger Every Day

Own your oral health by following these easy steps. In today's society, most of us are obsessed with our smile. It's got to be bright and dazzling; nothing less will do. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. We all want to look our best. So, if striving for a photogenic smile pushes us to observe better daily oral health habits, then we're certainly on the right track. But, there is so much more to a person's set of teeth than the quality of their smile. Teeth help us to eat and chew our food properly, to speak clearly and they serve as a gateway, so to speak, of our overall bodily health.

In order to build strong, healthy teeth, there are several basic rules that you must follow. First and foremost, please make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice per day. And, it's a good idea to use dental floss after meals to remove any unsightly, bacteria-causing food particles that your toothbrush didn't catch. Flossing helps to remove plaque which is one of those annoying culprits that cause cavities. You should also set up regular appointments with your dentist for preventative care. It's always better to catch a problem early rather than later. Furthermore, it could be much less painful,too !

Aside from the ground rules that we just mentioned, there are other helpful guidelines that you can follow. It is imperative that you understand how important tooth enamel is to the upkeep of your oral health. The enamel that covers the crown of one's teeth varies in color ; is, surprisingly, the hardest substance in the human body ( NOT bones, as you may have thought ), and it contains a certain percentage of minerals. These minerals give one's enamel the strength it needs to act as a shield and protect those molars.

Enamel may be a bit on the thin side , measured at roughly one tenth of an inch, but it does the job God intended IF you take care of it ! Enamel protects the very sensitive inner layers of the teeth from bacteria and cavities. Your oral health " shield" also prevents the inside of your teeth from being shocked by extremes of hot and cold foods and beverages like coffee, soup, tea and ice cream. And, let's not leave out that steaming, fresh out of the oven slice of cheese pizza that you can't wait to dig into. Let that ooey-gooey slice cool off ! Don't burn your mouth !

Tooth enamel contains NO living cells so it lacks the ability to regenerate. In other words; once the enamel is gone it is gone for GOOD. There are no do-overs. So consult your dental professional and find out which acidic-type foods can potentially be harmful to enamel. And keep brushing and flossing. That cannot be emphasised enough.

Another tool in your arsenal that will assist you in building strong teeth is FLUORIDE. You are most likely already familiar with this "magical" naturally occurring mineral that hardens tooth enamel and bones. Fluoride plays a major role in fighting tooth decay and cavities and can be found in most toothpastes as well as mouthwashes and various dental products. Perhaps, though, you didn't know that fluoride can be found in drinking water. Research studies have shown that the fluoride that is already inside the tap water you drink can reduce the prevalence of dental cavities by over fifty percent. An added bonus is that fluoride assists in reducing the wear and tear on enamel caused by acidic foods. What's not to like ?

Oftentimes, should your dentist feel that you are in need of a little extra fluoride in your life, he or she might apply a special fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth. Also available are a variety of fluoride specific gels, rinses and pastes that are designed for use at home.

Among the best building blocks for stronger and healthier teeth are vitamins and minerals . A diet that is rich in essential vitamins will go a long way to support strong, long-lasting enamel and teeth that will shine their brightest. Calcium is THE mineral you turn to for healthy teeth. You can get calcium from dairy products like milk and cheese. But, calcium can also be found in leafy greens such as spinach, collard greens as well as a wide array of beans and nuts like almonds. Canned salmon and sardines also offer a nice dose of calcium.

Now, vitamins A and K may not be quite as famous as their counterparts C and D; but they do pack a healthy punch, especially when it comes to protecting tooth enamel. By the way, enamel contains keratin which is a protein that uses vitamin A in its formation process. Vitamin A helps your mouth heal fairly quickly and it can prevent dry mouth. Gotta keep that saliva flowing . Most superfoods that contain vitamin A are orange in color : think pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe melon. Vitamin K has carved out its own niche in the oral care business as a calcium-binder. It is helpful when it comes to promoting bone growth and density, as well. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts come to mind as two very popular veggies that feature vitamin K.

With Summer close at hand, there will be plenty of quality time to go outdoors and soak up some sun and vitamin D. But, don't forget the sunscreen. Be careful out at the beach or the local park. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can find vitamin D in foods as diverse as egg yolks, beef liver, mushrooms and fatty types of fish such as halibut.

Oranges are probably the most celebrated source of Vitamin C, which helps in preventing gum disease and plays a vital role in the growth, repair and maintenance of teeth. Boost your enamel and bodily health by eating enough kale, kiwis and bell peppers ; all are an excellent source of vitamin C.

So, there you have it. This guide to building stronger and healthier teeth is only the beginning. As always, the NY DENTAL BLOG advises that you do your own research thereby empowering yourself. It's YOUR life and YOUR oral health. Take charge of it and feel good about finding new and better weapons to put in your tool box in the ongoing fight against cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. In that battle; enamel is one of the best friends that you'll ever have.