Tooth Enamel is known to be the hardest substance in our bodies. It serves as a protective outer shell on each tooth to keep the root, pulp and vascular system safe from bacteria. Our dental enamel is very precious…the amount we have is all we will ever have to protect our smile. It is not a substance that our body can regenerate. Certain foods, beverages, medications and lifestyle factors can influence the health and longevity of our dental enamel. Did you know that some people are even born without adequate enamel? Discover more about this condition, called Enamel Hypoplasia, below:
- Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is therefore vital to the health of your teeth. Not everyone’s is the strongest, though, and still, others have teeth without enamel at all. Without enamel to protect the softer interior parts of your teeth, they can’t stand up to the stress of natural biting and chewing. These abnormal developments require special care and treatment.
- Under normal conditions, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), special cells in the teeth called ameloblasts form the cells of the tooth enamel. If these ameloblasts are damaged or do not fully develop, the enamel can’t develop normally either.
What Causes It Enamel Hypoplasia?
Many factors can cause it. These include:
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy or infancy.
- Infection during pregnancy or infancy.
- Genetic disorders.
- Trauma to the teeth or jaw.
- Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy or infancy.
Nonetheless, it’s often difficult to determine exactly what caused the teeth to develop abnormally. Learn more, compliments of Colgate
Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne Is Committed To Protecting Your Smile
Staying proactive with regular dental checkups can help you enjoy a lifelong smile. When your enamel becomes weak, it is susceptible to breaking down, which allows cavities to form. Bacterial invasions in your mouth can be painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing. Dr. Robert L. Harrell and his dental team can determine which of your teeth are most affected and how to best take care of them. Discover some great enamel boosters to incorporate into your diet below:
- But were you aware that certain foods are actually good for your teeth and gums? Turns out, simply eating lunch could be a part of your daily dental routine.
- For instance, foods rich in calcium help ensure not only strong bones but also healthy teeth. Other beneficial snacks include those containing polyphenols and probiotics, which can help encourage a healthy environment in your mouth.
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Green tea
Certain teas may promote dental health because they contain polyphenols, which have the potential to clean plaque from the teeth. In fact, researchers in Japan found that people who drank one or more cups of green tea a day had decreased odds of losing their teeth. However, Phillips warns that even though teas may be good for your teeth, they can be acidic, which can be harmful — so sip carefully.
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Cheese
“Cheese has similar properties to milk and makes the mouth nonacidic and raises calcium levels around teeth, which is very protective,” explains Phillips. “Studies with Dutch Edam cheese showed that children ages 7 to 9 who ate a 5-gram cube after breakfast each day for two years had significantly fewer cavities than other children.”
For your dental health, look for cheeses with a bacterial element, such as blue cheese, Brie, or Camembert, to take advantage of cheese’s probiotic benefits. A note for grown-ups: The acidic nature of wine and beer can hurt your teeth, so pare some good-for-your-teeth cheese with that alcoholic beverage. -
Shiitake mushrooms
Researchers have found that these mushrooms have the potential to encourage good dental health by remineralizing teeth and discouraging acid that can be harmful. Discover more enamel boosting items, compliments of Everyday Health
Don’t Ignore Tooth Discomfort
If your body is trying to talk to you and let you know something is amiss…don’t ignore it! Are you currently on track with maximizing your 2019 dental benefits? Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne can book you in for a comprehensive oral checkup to ensure your dental enamel is in great shape. Preventative maintenance is key to optimizing your oral health. Fixing cavities or adding veneers or dental sealants to deep molar grooves can all help you look and feel your very best. Learn more about common enamel dangers to avoid below:
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Swap out soda with water
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out your mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try to drink alongside a cup of water.
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Watch out for sports drinks
They sound healthy, but sugar is a top ingredient for many sports and energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics says sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, but unnecessary in most cases. Before your next sip, check the label to make sure your drink of choice is low in sugar or drink water.
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Watch your citrus intake
The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a fun beverage, it’s not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water. Read about more foods and beverages to be wary of, compliments of Mouth Healthy
Book Your Checkup At ADOB
September is a great time to schedule your complete dental exam. It will give you time to maximize this year’s dental benefits to fix any issues that are detected. Contact Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today to schedule a visit with Dr. Robert L. Harrell. He is recognized as one of the city’s top dentists year-after-year by Charlotte magazine. Call Adult Dentistry now at 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on our website to make an appointment.
