Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? It has to be because it serves a very special purpose. Namely, being able to bite through and chew even the toughest foods, while also protecting all of the vascular components that make up a tooth. Strong enamel is vital for maintaining both the health and appearance of your teeth. Here at Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne, we want you to have a radiant smile and one of the best ways to ensure it is to take proper care of your enamel. Learn more interesting facts about tooth enamel below:
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body – making it durable and damage-resistant.
Your bite is powerful!
Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time – but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth.
Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help.
Did you know there are more than 300 kinds of bacteria that can attack your teeth? The good news is that with healthy dental hygiene habits and regular checkups, you can protect your teeth from bacteria and other substances that can weaken teeth and cause decay. Keep reading, compliments of Mouth Healthy
Worst Foods and Drinks For Your Enamel
Dietary considerations can transform your smile from healthy to unhappy if you are not careful. Refined sugars in junk food, natural sugars in fruits and fruit juices and even simple carbohydrates can all take their toll if daily brushing and flossing is not part of your routine. Check out these foods that can harm your smile if you’re not careful:
Foods to Avoid
- Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and similarly common fruit items are as acidic as they are healthy, which is why it’s important to consume them with water to ensure they don’t harm your enamel. However, these products aren’t the only foods out there known for their low pH level. Others include: Pickles
- Cranberries
- Tomato products (pasta sauce, ketchup, salsa, hot sauce)
- Coffee
- Alcohol (wine)
Why They Hurt
When the acids in the foods you eat and drink cause tooth enamel to wear away, teeth can become discolored as a result. And when tooth enamel weakens in this way, demineralization has started to occur – leaving your teeth’s dentin exposed and prone to sensitivity. Learn more, compliments of Colgate
Never Go To Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth
It is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene to keep your smile looking and feeling fantastic. Ensure that you have the best chance for a successful smile by making brushing and flossing a regular part of your bedtime routine. It only takes mere hours for plaque bacteria to become hardened tartar or calculus. The best time to clear out sticky, harmful plaque is to catch it while prior to it hardening. If you fall asleep without brushing your teeth, you could be in for some nasty surprises (and breath!) in the morning. Discover more below:
Falling Asleep Question: How bad is falling asleep without brushing your teeth?
Answer: Most people are shocked to hear this, but going to bed without brushing your teeth is like going to bed with poop in your mouth.
How can that be? Every time you have a meal, the bacteria that naturally reside in your mouth feast on the food you eat. Just like every other living organism, these bacteria excrete waste after a meal. This waste is highly acidic and breaks down tooth enamel, causing root decay and cavities.
When you hit the sack without brushing, plaque starts to harden and calcify on your teeth. Once plaque has calcified, it’s impossible to remove with a toothbrush and floss and can only be removed by the hygienist during a teeth cleaning.
It gets worse. The gums see plaque buildup as an infection, so your immune system springs into action to attack that infection. By attacking the plaque buildup, your body starts to destroy the healthy tissues that hold your teeth in place, making the gums begin to pull away from the tooth. Discover more, compliments of Ask The Dentist
Book Your Oral Health Check-up At ADOB
Our team is here for you. If it has been awhile since your last dental check-up, we understand and we never judge. All we want you to know is that our dedicated team is here and we can help you take care of your general and cosmetic dentistry concerns. Don’t hesitate to get a head start on your 2020 grin. We look forward to creating a healthy smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
