Your dental enamel is the strong white outer coating of your tooth. The dental enamel is actually just one layer of a tooth—the enamel protects the inner dentin and dental core/pulp. It is of paramount importance that you protect your dental enamel as much as possible, so that you can keep the inner—more sensitive—layers of your teeth healthy and strong. However, your daily life presents many threats to your enamel.
That is why our Glendale dentists have put together this list of tips on how to care for and protect your dental enamel. Let’s get started!
1. Follow your dentist’s instructions
The number on thing that you can do to set yourself up for success is to follow your dentist’s advice regarding professional cleanings and at home care.
2. Protect your teeth during sports and activities
If you are taking part in a contact or extreme sport, please wear the recommended mouth guard/protection. Make sure that your mouthpiece fits well and will stay in place. Once your dental enamel is cracked or chipped it cannot repair itself—you will need restorative dental care.
3. Stay alert for signs of bruxism
Many people grind or clench their teeth habitually—this often happens as the patient is sleeping. Over time this causes microcracks to develop in the person’s enamel—weakening the strength of the tooth. There are treatments available for bruxism, so reach out to your dentist if you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth.
These are just three simple things that you can do in order to protect your dental enamel and, hopefully, avoid serious dental trauma in the future. As always, our Glendale dentists are available to speak with you about these issues further, and to answer any questions that you may have. Give us a call!