Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable so it is critical to not neglect or abuse our teeth. Practicing daily oral hygiene is vital for enamel health. At The Dental Design Center, we instill great oral habits in our dental patients.
Even though every drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we advise our patients to brush with a soft brush after every meal to gently clean away food particles. Scrub too hard, and you can erode enamel. It is ideal to brush immediately after eating but brushing within 60 minutes of a meal has benefits. The quicker you remove food from your teeth, the better it is for your enamel.
Flossing regularly is also critical to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.
Ira Handschuh recommends a checkup and extensive cleaning every six months. Our experienced hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken tooth structures. Regular checkups prevent dilemmas and save you money on pricey restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S., we see damaged teeth and dental work as a result of patients using their teeth as tools. Biting down on something too hard, like ice or hard candy can also weaken enamel.
Attention Scarsdale, White Plains, and New Castle athletes: be sure to use a mouthguard for team, contact, and recreational sports.
Teeth grinding is also a common dental threat. Be careful not to grind teeth, this can not only wear away enamel but also pave ways for cavities to get in. If you grind your teeth while you are sleeping, make an appointment to be fitted for a nightguard. Your enamel will thank you.
Lastly, remember: drink water. Coffee, sports drinks, soda, wine, and tea all contain a lot of acids and/or sugar. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of cavities for non-water drinkers in the White Plains.
We hope you find these The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S. tips beneficial. For more information on unmatched dental care, schedule an appointment today.
