As time passes, one would hope to gain wisdom, but unfortunately, our teeth tend to lose minerals and weaken. The good news is that there are several steps one can take at any age to keep teeth strong and healthy. Let’s delve into how to strengthen teeth naturally.
What Causes Weak Teeth?
Tooth enamel, which is the outer surface of teeth, is made up of minerals such as calcium and phosphate, as well as bone and dentin. As we age, we lose these minerals, which weakens our teeth. This process is called demineralization. Poor oral hygiene habits and an unhealthy diet also contribute to this process.
In contrast, remineralization is the process that increases enamel on teeth. Following a tooth-friendly diet and good oral hygiene practices can encourage remineralization by reducing the amount of acid and bacteria in your mouth.
How to get strong teeth and gums
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep teeth strong by removing any acid or bacteria in your mouth – the root causes of demineralization.
The best times to brush your teeth are in the morning when you first wake up and before you go to bed at night. However, refrain from brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods since these foods temporarily weaken tooth enamel, making immediate brushing potentially harmful. It’s best to wait for at least an hour before brushing.
Don’t forget to floss every night before brushing. A gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush will be kind to your teeth and gums. Using a tooth-strengthening toothpaste that contains fluoride is also recommended by the Australian Dental Association since it works with calcium and phosphates in your teeth to remineralize the enamel.
Gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush during your normal toothbrushing time is also advisable. Finally, here’s a comprehensive guide to excellent oral care.
Enjoy a Natural Teeth-Strengthening Diet
A healthful diet for strong teeth is simply a balanced diet low in acidic foods, starches, and refined sugars. Acidic foods weaken tooth enamel, while sugary and starchy foods lead to the formation of bacteria and acid in the mouth. So, it’s best to avoid them.
But how do you make teeth stronger? You need to consume foods that strengthen and rebuild tooth enamel.
To get strong teeth, include in your diet foods that are high in:
- Vitamin A, such as cantaloupe and carrots.
- Phosphorus, such as meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs, and supplements.
- Calcium, such as dairy, almonds, and leafy greens.
In addition, vegetables and fruits like celery help keep teeth clean, while nuts provide minerals and stimulate saliva production. Taking probiotics that are specifically helpful for oral health and remineralization is also advised.
Foods good for teeth
Some medications, stress, and consuming certain processed foods can reduce absorption levels of essential minerals and vitamins. Adjusting your diet to ensure that minerals and vitamins can be absorbed is crucial.
Consuming healthy fats, foods rich in probiotics like sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt, as well as probiotic supplements are all highly recommended. Here’s more information about the top foods for oral health.
While fruits are essential to a healthy diet, some are highly acidic and high in sugars. The two worst culprits are oranges and grapefruits, as their acids can lead to calcium chelation, which weakens tooth enamel. Rice, bread, and potatoes are starchy foods that also weaken teeth by causing bacteria to develop in the mouth and produce acid, which weakens tooth enamel. Sugar-containing foods and drinks should also be avoided.
Apart from following the above steps to keep your natural tooth enamel strong and healthy, there is no substitute for a visit to the dentist to effectively remove plaque and maintain a good overall dental and oral health.
To sustain an active oral care maintenance routine, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
