Smile-Saving Habits
You can't always avoid enamel-eroding foods, so use these tips to minimize acid wear:1. Avoid snacking in between meals to minimize acid attacks.
2. Don't swish or hold acidic beverages in your mouth. Sip them through a straw to reduce the amount of time the acids come into contact with your teeth.
3. Rinse your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum after meals to help neutralize acid attacks.
4. Consume high-calcium milk or cheese before or with meals to help reharden enamel. Eating foods high in iron, such as liver or broccoli, may help as well.
5. If you do consume acidic foods or beverages, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. This gives softened enamel a chance to reharden, so it's less prone to damage.
6. Brush with fluoride toothpaste to help fortify enamel.
7. See your dentist for regular checkups and scheduled cleanings to help prevent tooth decay.
Healthy tooth enamel means healthy teeth. And enamel damage is irreversible. So take the time to protect those pearly whites.
