Taking proactive steps to maintain healthy dental enamel will pay dividends down the road. That is why our Santa Monica dentists have put together this short overview of key threats to healthy enamel. We hope that this information empowers you to make healthy decisions for your smile moving forward.
Bacteria
Bacteria are the root cause of both dental caries and periodontal disease. When bacteria are able to infiltrate your dental enamel or gum tissues, respectively, you need to undergo restorative dental care. Keep in mind that bad breath is another result of bacterial infection, as oral bacteria create unpleasant odors as a natural byproduct.
Acid
Dental enamel becomes softer and weaker when it comes into contact with an acidic substance. Acidic foods and drinks, like soft drinks and fruit juices, for example, temporarily demineralize enamel. Additionally, oral bacteria produce acids, which wear away healthy tooth and gum tissue. The good news is that your enamel remineralizes post-acid exposure—just make sure that you wait for twenty to thirty minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth.
Accidents
One of the simplest, but most important, things that you can do is to wear a protective mouthguard whenever you participate in extreme or contact sports. A custom-fit mouthguard protects dental enamel from impact without aggravating your temporomandibular joints. Keep in mind that harmful dental habits, like chewing on ice and hard candies, can also lead to cracked and chipped enamel.
Looking for additional information about maintaining a healthy smile? Please don’t hesitate to call our Santa Monica dentists to speak to a member of our team and schedule your personal consultation!