Everyone wants to have a smile that is strong and healthy. An important part of doing that is preserving your tooth enamel. Enamel is the hardened substance that covers the outside of the tooth, protecting it from damage due to wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and other things. To keep your enamel strong and in good function, there are a few things you can do.

Practice proper hygiene. The first and most important part of taking care of your teeth is making sure that you engage in proper dental hygiene.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a minimum, and it's better if you brush after every meal. In addition, you need to floss daily to clean places that your toothbrush cannot reach, and you should visit your dental health professional for a thorough cleaning every six months.

Use proper toothpaste. You should use a toothpaste with fluoride in it. is a compound that strengthens your teeth and helps protect against tooth decay. Some cities put it in their drinking water, too. If you live in an area that does not fluoridate its water you should take special care to ensure that you are applying fluoride to your teeth with your toothpaste. You can also get a dental rinse for use after you brush your teeth; this rinse will have fluoride in it, and is another crucial tool in your battle for healthy enamel.

Limit your sugar intake. The organisms that live in your mouth love it when you eat sugar. Sugar is a ready source of energy to them, and they digest it easily. The problem is, when they do this, they release acid as a byproduct-this acid is extremely damaging to your tooth enamel. Limiting the amount of sugar you consume is a great way to reduce acid levels. If you do decide to eat foods that are high in sugar, don't allow it to sit in your mouth.

Instead, after you have finished eating or drinking, rinse your mouth out with water to remove the excess sugar remaining. This will help reduce the food supply for the organisms in your mouth, and will result in less acid attacking your enamel.

While the enamel that covers your teeth is very strong, it is not invincible. Practicing proper hygiene, using fluoride, and reducing the amount of sugar you eat are all important steps in protecting your enamel.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your oral health.