Did you know that even minor damage to tooth enamel can make you more susceptible to all sorts of oral health issues down the line? Small erosions in the enamel can gradually increase sensitivity, tooth decay and the risk of cavities. Here’s how to recognize the warning signs:
- Symptom #1: Sensitivity When Drinking or Eating Hot or Cold Foods
- Symptom #2: Teeth Appear More Yellow or Translucent
- Symptom #3: Notice Visible Pits or Roughness on the Tooth Surface
If you’re experiencing one or more of the above, it might be time to take a closer look at your tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel is the hard, white surface of your teeth. Its job is to protect the softer, more sensitive dentin beneath from damage and infection.
Can you regrow enamel on your teeth? Strictly speaking, no. Once tooth enamel is lost or damaged, it cannot be regenerated like other living tissues in the body.
The good news is you can do a lot to support your body’s natural remineralization process, which builds back up weakened enamel and fortifies your teeth. This article will teach you 5 simple ways to strengthen tooth enamel naturally.
Remineralization vs. Regrowth: Understanding the Difference
It’s important to make this distinction before we begin. The terms are often used interchangeably but are not the same thing.
- Demineralization: the process by which acids in food, drink, and bacteria in your mouth remove minerals like calcium and phosphate from the enamel
Essentially, we can’t regrow or rebuild tooth enamel from scratch. However, we can optimize our oral health and slow the rate of demineralization while supporting our body’s natural remineralization process.
5 Simple Natural Remedies to Restore Tooth Enamel
Here are 5 science-backed tips you can put into practice today.
1) Eat a Tooth Enamel-Friendly Diet
The first and most important place to start is your diet.
- Eat more calcium: Calcium is the primary building block of your teeth and bones, so you should be consuming plenty of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and fortified almond or soy milk.
- Eat more phosphorus: Phosphorus works together with calcium to build strong tooth enamel, so make sure to consume plenty of phosphorus-rich foods like fish, eggs, lean meat, and nuts.
- Get your vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, so it’s essential for building strong teeth. You can get it from fatty fish like salmon and tuna, fortified milk, and safe sun exposure.
- Consume vitamin K2: K2 activates proteins that help pull calcium out of the bloodstream and deposit it into the bones and teeth where you want it, and away from arteries where you don’t. K2 is found in animal foods like grass-fed butter, egg yolks, and organ meats, as well as fermented foods like natto (Japanese fermented soybeans).
- Eat crunchy, fibrous vegetables: Apples, carrots, celery, and broccoli stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles and bacteria. They also provide calcium and other important minerals for building strong enamel.
Action Tip: Plan meals that combine these nutrients together like a spinach and cheese omelet or a salmon dinner with a side of kale.
2) Stimulate and Support Your Saliva Production
Saliva is your body’s natural mouthwash and remineralization agent. Saliva in your mouth does three very important things:
- Drink plenty of water: Water is the best beverage for your teeth and saliva production. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow and helps wash away food and bacteria. Look for sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener that research suggests may inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, and broccoli require more chewing, which naturally stimulates saliva production.
Action Tip: Always carry a reusable water bottle with you, and chew a piece of xylitol gum for 5 minutes after meals.
3) Practice Wise Oral Hygiene (It’s More Than Brushing)
This one might surprise you, but how you brush your teeth and take care of your teeth matters a lot.
- Don’t brush your teeth right away after eating acidic foods or drinks: Brushing your teeth while your enamel is in a temporarily softened state (like after drinking orange juice or a soda) can actually brush the weakened enamel away. It’s best to wait at least 30-60 minutes after consuming acidic food or drinks before you brush your teeth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently: Hard-bristled brushes are more abrasive and can wear down enamel over time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in circular motions rather than back-and-forth sawing.
- Try oil pulling: An Ayurvedic practice that has been used for centuries to promote oral health. While not a direct remineralization aid, research suggests oil pulling with coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil may reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving the overall oral environment for your enamel.
Action Tip: Rinse your mouth with water after your morning cup of orange juice, then wait until after you’ve showered and dressed for the day to brush your teeth.
4) Reduce Acidic and Sugary Exposure
This is a non-negotiable step. You can’t build a wall while someone is actively knocking it down. Sugars and acids are the main drivers of tooth enamel demineralization.
- Limit acidic drinks: Soda, energy drinks, fruit juices, and wine are all highly acidic and should be limited.
- Cut back on sugar: Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that produce enamel-eroding acids. Cut back on sugary snacks, candy, and pastries, and be aware of hidden sugars in processed foods.
Action Tip: If you do have an acidic drink, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking.
5) Try a Demineralizing Toothpaste
We know, we know. This isn’t exactly a natural remedy, but a good toothpaste can really make a difference.
- Hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) toothpaste: Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that makes up your tooth enamel. Toothpastes containing nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) can bond directly to the teeth and fill in microscopic cracks and fissures, helping to rebuild enamel. It’s one of the best, most effective, and often fluoride-free options available.
- Theobromine toothpaste: Theobromine is a naturally occurring compound found in cocoa. Research suggests it may help harden and remineralizer tooth enamel, sometimes even more effectively than fluoride.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is the most well-known remineralizing agent for tooth enamel. It works by incorporating into the enamel structure and making it more resistant to acid attacks. Theobromine also seems to promote remineralization of weakened enamel.
Action Tip: Research your options and pick a toothpaste that aligns with your health values and dental needs to give your remineralization efforts a boost.
When to See a Dentist
The above natural remedies are excellent for maintaining and strengthening existing enamel. If you experience significant tooth sensitivity, visible pits or cracks in the teeth, or have concerns about severe erosion, consult your dentist. They can assess the damage and recommend professional treatments like bonding, veneers, or crowns if needed.
The Bottom Line
The good news is you are not helpless when it comes to strengthening and restoring your tooth enamel. You have a lot of power over the foods and drinks you consume, how you take care of your teeth, and your oral environment.
Give your body the right nutrients to build up strong enamel, keep your teeth and mouth as clean as possible, and minimize exposure to the two main enamel villains, sugar and acid, and you’ll be well on your way to supporting your body’s natural remineralization process.
Start with one or two simple remedies today and build a routine that will keep your smile bright and strong for the rest of your life.
No comments
Post a Comment