How to Protect Your Teeth Enamel: 7 Expert Tips for Healthy Teeth

The enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It forms a hard protective shell around your teeth. This protects your teeth from the everyday wear and tear caused by chewing, biting, temperature changes and harmful bacteria.

Unlike your bones and skin your teeth enamel doesn’t have any living cells. If you lose enamel it will never be replaced by your body. By protecting your enamel you are ensuring your teeth stay strong, white and pain free.

Why Does Your Enamel Get Damaged Every Day?

There are several reasons why your teeth suffer physically and chemically every day.

Acidic Foods and Drinks – Soda, citric fruits, sports drinks and fruit juices all have a high acidic content. This will weaken and dissolve the outside layer of enamel.
Sugary Snacks – Bacteria in your mouth feed on the refined sugars. This causes aggressive acids to be released which will attack your enamel for up to 20 minutes.
Aggressive Brushing – Brushing your teeth too hard will cause the enamel to wear.
Teeth Grinding – Grinding or clenching your teeth subjects your enamel to extreme pressures causing it to crack and wear.
Dry Mouth – Saliva helps to wash food particles away and neutralize harmful acids. If there isn’t enough saliva your enamel won’t have any protection.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth Enamel?

1. How Should You Brush Your Teeth Correctly?

Brushing your teeth twice a day will help protect your enamel however the way you brush your teeth can cause damage.

Use A Soft Bristle Toothbrush – Always purchase a soft bristle toothbrush. Hard bristled toothbrushes cause scratches to your enamel and pushes your sensitive gum line back.
Brush Gently – Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle. Use small circles when brushing.
Brush For Two Minutes – Brush your teeth for two minutes every morning and before bed. Split your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each section.
Don’t Brush Immediately – Don’t brush your teeth straight after eating acidic foods and fruits. The acid will weaken your enamel. Wait for at least 30 minutes for your saliva to harden your enamel again.

2. How Does Fluoride Toothpaste Help Protect Enamel?

Fluoride is a natural mineral which helps strengthen your enamel. Dentists consider it an important part to look after your teeth long term.

Remineralise Enamel – Fluoride replaces essential minerals onto your teeth enamel which will help repair the tiny weak spots.
Protects Against Bacterial Acids – Fluoride makes your enamel much more resistant to acids from bacteria in your mouth.
Helps Repair Micro Cavities – Using fluoride toothpaste daily can repair early micro cavities.
Make Sure It Contains Fluoride – Purchase toothpaste which contains fluoride and has been approved by recognized dental health associations.

3. Which Foods Help Repair Enamel?

The foods you eat daily will affect how strong your enamel is. Choose foods that are packed full of nutrients.

Dairy – Milk, plain yogurt and cheese are all packed full of calcium and phosphates. This will help repair your enamel and keep your bones strong.
Crunchy Vegetables – Celery, carrots and apples all help clean your teeth whilst you chew. They also help increase saliva production.
Greens – Spinach and kale are both packed full of calcium, folic acid and essential vitamins to keep your teeth enamel strong.
Lean Protein – Chicken, eggs and fish provide phosphorous which works hand in hand with calcium to protect your teeth.

4. How Can You Limit Acidic and Sugary Drinks?

Acidic and sugary drinks can be the biggest enemy to your teeth enamel. Limiting these drinks will help protect your enamel in the future.

Drink Through A Straw – When drinking iced coffee, fizzy drinks and fruit juices use a reusable straw. This will limit the amount of contact your front teeth have with the liquids.
Drink Fresh Water – Rinse your mouth with fresh water straight after eating acidic foods, wine or sweet treats.
Limit Sugary Drinks – Swap your fizzy drinks, energy drinks and sweet teas for water or plain sparkling water.
Avoid Sipping – Try to finish your acidic drinks quickly. Sipping your acidic drinks over a few hours will mean the acid constantly attacks your teeth.

5. How Can You Increase Saliva Production Naturally?

Saliva is a natural defense system in your body to protect your teeth enamel.

Drink Plenty Of Water – Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your saliva glands working.
Chew Sugar Free Gum – Chewing sugar free gum after meals will increase your saliva production by up to 10 times.
Choose Xylitol – Choose sugar free gums which contain xylitol. This stops the growth of cavity causing bacteria.
Speak To Doctor Or Dentist – If you constantly suffer from a dry mouth due to prescription medication or health issues talk to your doctor or dentist.

6. How Can You Prevent Teeth Grinding?

Physical damage to your teeth can cause your enamel to wear away just as much as acidic damage. To protect your enamel:

Use A Custom Night guard – Ask your dentist for a custom made night guard if you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching when sleeping.
Reduce Stress – Try to do relaxing activities such as walking, mediation and gentle stretching to help relax the muscles in your jaw.
Don’t Use Teeth As Tools – Never use your teeth to tear plastic packaging, bite your fingernails or crack hard nut shells.
Wear A Sports Guard – Always wear a custom mouth guard when playing contact sports.

7. How Can Your Dentist Help Protect Your Enamel?

Visiting your dentist will help protect your teeth with specialized treatments.

Visit Every Six Months – Visit your dental clinic every 6 months.
Remove Tartar – Dental hygienists can remove hard tartar build up using specialist tools.
Topical Fluoride – Ask your dentist for fluoride varnishes during your visit to give your enamel extra protection.
Spot Early Issues – Dentists will spot early signs of enamel erosion, acid damage and micro cracks.

What Are the Key Tips to Protect Your Teeth Enamel?

Brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods/fruits.
Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
Drink plenty of fresh water to help saliva production.
Eat calcium and phosphate rich foods such as cheese, plain yogurt and greens.
Sip acidic drinks using a straw.
Chew sugar free gum containing xylitol after meals to neutralize harmful acids in your mouth.
Wear a custom night guard if you suffer from night time teeth grinding.
Visit your dentist twice a year.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Protecting Teeth Enamel?

Can Damaged Teeth Enamel Grow Back?

No, as there aren’t any living cells in your enamel it won’t grow back. However by using fluoride toothpaste, eating calcium rich foods and increasing saliva production, you can strengthen and remineralise your weak enamel.

How Do You Know If Your Enamel Is Wearing Away?

Early signs of enamel erosion include sensitivity to hot/cold items, yellow teeth as your dentin shows through and rounded/transparent edges to your front teeth. Later on you’ll notice deep dents on your chewing surfaces and frequent cracking.

Is White Vinegar Bad for Your Enamel?

Yes, white vinegar and other food vinegar are high in acid. If you regularly consume vinegar without rinsing your mouth with water it will weaken your enamel.

Can Whitening Toothpastes Damage Your Teeth Enamel?

Some whitening toothpastes contain strong abrasive particles. Using these every day can cause your enamel to wear away. Choose gentle whitening toothpastes which have been approved by accredited dental associations.

Protecting your teeth enamel can be done by making sure you take care of your teeth daily. Being gentle when brushing, eating the right foods and visiting your dentist will help protect your enamel. As your enamel can’t regrow it is important to take steps to protect your natural teeth. Start incorporating these simple habits today to keep your teeth strong, functional and healthy.