Brushing your teeth is essential to oral hygiene, but there are times when it’s better not to brush. Sound counter-intuitive? The Yuma Dentist explains.
Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the important job of safeguarding teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.
Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly wondrous. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
The team at Yuma Family Dentist encourages our patients to safeguard their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.
This may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is useful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.
Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva guards your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left exposed. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water regularly can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.
In addition, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Yuma residents who grinds their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard immediately. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the cavities that can follow. Athletes should also guard their teeth on the playing field with a mouthguard. For more information, communicate with dentist Dr. Mann at Yuma Family Dentist about custom mouthguards.
If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already transpired. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.
Using teeth as tools can hurt enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunchmeat?
Chewing ice and hard candy can also hurt enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can cause cavities which erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.
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