How to Protect the Enamel on Your Teeth
Located at the center of each tooth is the pulp. This is a highly sensitive area since this contains the delicate nerves and vital blood vessels that supply the needed nutrients to the teeth and gums. The pulp is covered by the many layers of our tooth. If exposed, the pulp becomes susceptible to infection or damage, which can be very painful. Among the common symptoms of an infected or damaged pulp are visible injury, swelling, and extreme sensitivity of the gums and teeth to hot or cold. Thus, it is very important to protect the pulp. To do this, you need to fortify its primary defense against infection or injury, ie. protect the enamel on your teeth.
The pulp of your teeth becomes exposed when the teeth is broken or cracked or the enamel is breached. In most cases of cracked or broken teeth, it is difficult to determine the main cause of pain or discomfort because the symptoms come and go. When the crack extends into the highly sensitive areas, the affected tooth becomes susceptible to damage and infection. Accordingly, you may have to see professional dentists in Salt Lake City for your dental health needs. If not treated, it may result in the loss of the tooth. To avoid this, it is very important to protect the enamel on your teeth.
The enamel of your teeth is among the most durable substances in the body. Characterized as a hard, semi-clear protective layer, the enamel shields your teeth from the day-to-day damage resulting from biting, chewing, and similar other activities. The enamel is also responsible for protecting your teeth from the damaging effects of hot or cold food items or beverages. Yet despite being a hard exterior and a highly effective defense mechanism, your enamel will, over time, become susceptible to damage caused by acids, tartar, and bacteria in your mouth, among many other things.
As this protective shell gradually erodes, your teeth becomes increasingly prone to cavities or tooth decay as well as become highly sensitive to hot or cold. Here are a couple of simple, easy ways to protect the enamel on your teeth.
Food and drinks with high acidic content can slowly erode and wear away the protective layer of your teeth. Save your enamel from further wear and tear by simply cutting down on these highly acidic food items and beverages. These include soda, citric fruits and juices, coffee, tea, and the like.
Make it easy on your enamel and brush your teeth after every meal. This is particularly imperative if you’ve partook food or drinks high in acidic content. If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth and gargle thoroughly. Chewing some gum can also help reduce the acid in your mouth.
If you can’t help it with your soda, coffee, or citric juices, use a drinking straw. That way, the acidic content will bypass your teeth. As much as possible, finish it up with milk to cancel out the acid.
Don’t forget to drink more water throughout your day. Water can help flush out the unwanted acids and bacteria.
With these simple habits, you can help keep your enamel intact and your teeth strong against the harmful elements that cause cavities or tooth decay. When you need help with dental health problems, look to one of the best and most reliable dentists in Utah County. Come to Alpenglow Dental and experience top-notch dentistry care with a personal touch. Get in touch with us at 801-878-1700.
