When we are setting long-term dental goals, we always want to remember that protecting healthy dental enamel is paramount to sustaining oral health. Because your enamel protects the more vulnerable layers of your teeth (the dentin and dental pulp) you want, as much as possible, for it to stay thick, strong, and non-porous.
Unfortunately, many adult patients find that their enamel has started to wear away through the years. This is often the result of acid erosion—keep reading to learn more from our Santa Monica dentists…
When your teeth come into contact with acidic substances, the dental enamel becomes, temporarily, softened and vulnerable. The good news is that your teeth will re-mineralize about 30 minutes after acid exposure. However, in this thirty-minute window you want to:
- Refrain from brushing your teeth, as this can buff away healthy enamel
- Stop yourself from picking at your smile with wooden or metal toothpicks
- Drink plenty of water, so that your body is able to produce plenty of saliva
- Vigorously rinse your mouth with water to wash away acidic residue
Obviously, the more you are able to limit your consumption of acidic treats, the healthier your smile will be. However, it is pretty much impossible, and probably unhealthy to cut out acidic substances all together. Citrus fruits, for example, are highly acidic, yet they are part of a well-balance diet.
That is why our Santa Monica dentists encourage you to take some small, simple steps to protect vulnerable enamel. With some thoughtful planning, you will be able to maintain strong dental enamel well into the future.
If you think that you may have already developed thin enamel, there are restorative treatments available to fortify your enamel, whiten your teeth, and decrease sensitivity. Contact our team to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!