We all want strong teeth, but we don’t always know of all of the ways to get them healthy and happy. Daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use are basics for our healthy mouth maintenance. But what are other ways you can make those pearly whites as polished and strong as possible. Read these tips for 5 additional, easy-to-implement strategies to get strong teeth.
#1 Decrease dairy consumption
It is common knowledge that dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. “However, the lactose that is in most dairy products can increase acidity in your mouth,” said Dr. Tony Thomas of Advanced Smile Care in North San Antonio. According to Healthline the reason that happens is because lactose is a type of sugar. They advise to keep the benefits of the calcium by choosing lactose-free milk, or go with a milk alternative like almond or soy milk.
#2 Keeping enamel strong through diet
Choosing the right well-balanced diet can go a long way to keeping that enamel on the teeth making sure they are as strong as possible. Century City Dentistry says certain foods such as cheese help prevent demineralization because they help promote the flow of saliva, which in turn maintains the pH levels in your mouth reducing acid production. Foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables are recommended for not just healthy teeth but healthy gums too.
#3 Fill up on fluoride
While we are on the subject of remineralizing weakened teeth, fluoride helps do the trick too and help keep decay away. “There are many ways you can make sure you get enough fluoride, even if your part of town does not add fluoride to the water,” said Dr. Thomas.
Dentistry.com says you can use fluoride-based toothpaste, make sure your mouthwash has fluoride in it, take fluoride supplements, and even ask your dentist about fluoride treatments in the office.
#4 Get rid of the grind
Many of us do it and we don’t even know it. Stress is a huge cause of grinding of the teeth. If you do it too much it can crack, chip, and even fracture teeth causing you to loose them. Empire Blue Cross says if you grind your teeth at night you may not know you are doing it right away.
“If you have jaw pain, or headaches and you don’t know what the source is, it is possible you are grinding your teeth unknowingly,” said Dr. Thomas. Consider talking to your dentist about a mouth guard you can wear at night. And if stress really is the cause, a good exercise plan may not be a bad idea.
#5 Vitalize your teeth with vitamins
Adding the right vitamins into your diet, or getting more of them, can also help keep those teeth from tearing. “We already know that calcium is a big one, but there are a few others that you may want to bump up in consumption,” said Dr. Thomas.
According to Pronamel three other vitamins are at the top of the list. Vitamin D is important because it boosts mineral density and helps to absorb and carry the calcium in the bones that support the teeth. Like calcium that vitamin is also found in dairy-rich foods. Phosphorus naturally protects and rebuilds tooth enamel, and is found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, and fish. And finally, Vitamin A is also key in keeping your gums healthy as well as building tooth enamel. Most foods with that vitamin are orange, like carrots, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes.
Make these simple changes in addition to keeping up your healthy oral hygiene routine, and your teeth and your dentist will be happy you did.
