Research shows that tooth enamel can repair itself once it is damaged. However, some foods, oral hygiene habits, and diseases can damage tooth enamel faster than it can heal. Fortunately, you can restore tooth enamel by changing a few simple things. Research indicates that tooth enamel can be restored with fluoride treatment, dental care, and avoiding harmful foods.
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Part 1 of 2: Repairing Email
Step 1. Know the cause of tooth enamel erosion
There are many causes of tooth enamel erosion including poor diet and several health conditions. Knowing the cause of enamel erosion will help you prevent further damage.
- Acidic drinks, such as citrus and soda can cause enamel erosion.
- Foods with high starch and sugar content can also cause enamel erosion.
- Health conditions such as acid reflux, dry mouth, genetic diseases, low saliva production, and digestive system problems can cause tooth erosion.
- Drugs such as aspirin and antihistamines contribute to enamel erosion.
- Mechanical factors such as daily use, grinding teeth, grinding teeth, brushing teeth too hard, brushing teeth when tooth enamel is soft.
- Poor oral health can cause enamel erosion.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of tooth enamel erosion
- Yellowed teeth. This occurs due to the visible body of the tooth because the tooth enamel is damaged.
- Excessive sensitivity to temperature and sugary foods and drinks.
- Broken and cracked teeth.
- Holes or indentations on the tooth surface.
- Obvious stains on the tooth surface.
Step 3. Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride can make teeth more acid-resistant, and can even repair damage at an early stage. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can maintain tooth enamel and prevent further decay.
- You can buy fluoridated toothpaste at most drugstores or grocery stores.
- Ask your dentist about using fluoride. Too much fluoride can cause more problems, such as enamel fluorosis, especially in children.
- Your dentist can also prescribe a toothpaste with a stronger fluoride content than commercially available toothpaste.
Step 4. Gargle with a fluoride mouthwash
If you don't like fluoride toothpaste, try gargling with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This can help protect the email and prevent further damage to the email.
- You can buy fluoride mouthwash at most drug stores and grocery stores.
- Your dentist can prescribe a mouthwash with a higher fluoride content if over-the-counter mouthwash isn't enough for you.
Step 5. Use fluoride gel
Ask your dentist to prescribe a fluoride gel. This can protect teeth from losing enamel, prevent cavities, and improve general oral health.
Fluoride gel can strengthen tooth enamel, making fillings and repairs last longer
Step 6. Add minerals to teeth naturally
Add mineral treatments to your oral care routine. This can preserve the email and repair the damage.
- Eating healthy fats, cultured butter and coconut oil can increase the intake of minerals for teeth and help restore enamel. Bone broth can also be a good option.
- Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements can restore enamel.
- Adding cup of coconut oil to your daily diet can help improve enamel.
Step 7. Discuss enamel repair options with your dentist
If home remedies don't fix your enamel, discuss alternatives with your dentist. Treatment advice depends on the degree of erosion, presence of cavities, including crowns, fillings, or veneers.
Step 8. Place a dental crown over a tooth that is badly damaged and has lost enamel
Dental crowns can cover the teeth and restore them to their original shape. These crowns are specially designed to cover natural teeth and can prevent further damage and loss of tooth enamel.
- The dentist will remove the damaged tooth and enamel, then place a crown over the area.
- Dental crowns are made of gold, porcelain, or resin.
Step 9. Attach the veneers to the teeth
Dental veneers, also known as onlays and inlays, are attached to the front of the teeth. Dental veneers cover the eroded, cracked, or broken part of the tooth and prevent further erosion.
Step 10. Restore the eroded area with dental fillings
Dental fillings can repair cavities, which can lead to enamel erosion. This can prevent further damage to the enamel and improve overall dental health.
Dental fillings are made of gold or silver amalgam or a mixture of tooth-coloured materials designed to flatten the tooth surface and reduce tooth sensitivity
Step 11. Consider dental sealants
This material coats the teeth and protects them from decay. Ask your dentist to coat your teeth with sealants for up to 10 years of protection from acid and other everyday wear and tear.
Step 12. Complete the recovery procedure
You may need to go back to the dentist several times to complete the restoration of the enamel. Follow your dentist's instructions regarding care, maintenance, and advice for your dental hygiene.
Part 2 of 2: Maintaining Good Oral Health
Step 1. Brush and floss every day, including after eating
Brushing your teeth and flossing every day and after eating can keep your teeth, healing process and gums healthy. A clean mouth prevents further enamel erosion and unsightly stains.
- Be sure to brush and floss as much as possible after eating. Food residue on teeth creates the right environment for enamel decay. If you don't have a toothbrush, chewing gum can help.
- Avoid brushing your teeth within 30 minutes of consuming acidic foods or drinks. Acids can weaken tooth enamel, and brushing your teeth too quickly can damage them.
Step 2. Limit consumption of sweet and sour foods and drinks
Sweet and sour foods and drinks can cause enamel erosion, and limiting the consumption of these foods and drinks can result in better oral health. Brushing your teeth after eating these foods can prevent enamel erosion.
- Create a healthy and balanced diet consisting of low-fat protein, fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are good for general health, including oral health.
- Some healthy foods are also acidic, for example citrus fruits. You can eat these fruits, but limit their consumption and brush your teeth after eating.
- Examples of sweet and sour foods and drinks that should be avoided are sodas, sweets, candy, and wine.
Step 3. Avoid alcoholic mouthwash and toothpaste
Mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol can reduce the durability of enamel or even stain it. Use a non-alcoholic toothpaste or mouthwash to avoid this problem.
You can buy non-alcoholic toothpaste and mouthwash at most grocery and drug stores or online
Step 4. Drink fluoridated water instead of bottled water
Most tap water in developed countries like the United States contains fluoride, which can help reduce tooth decay and strengthen enamel. Unfortunately, unless otherwise stated, most bottled water that is processed by distillation, filtration, and reverse osmosis generally does not contain fluoride. In fact, the increased consumption of bottled drinking water is thought to be associated with an increase in cavities in children's teeth. Drinking bottled water can contribute to the erosion of your tooth enamel.
- In addition, a lot of bottled drinking water is acidic so it is harmful to teeth.
- Try to find out if there is fluoride in bottled water before you buy it.
Step 5. Don't grit your teeth
If you have a bad habit of grinding your teeth, this can damage the enamel and teeth. If so, talk to your dentist about using a mouth guard.
- Grinding teeth can hinder the restoration of enamel and cause sensitivity and damage including small cracks and fractures.
- Biting your nails, opening bottles or holding objects with your teeth are also bad habits. Avoid these things so you don't damage your teeth or fillings.
Step 6. Perform regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Regular check-ups and cleaning are part of an effort to maintain oral health. See your dentist at least twice a year or more if you have dental problems or enamel damage.
Step 7. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum increases saliva production which can prevent tooth decay. Xylitol has been shown to reduce bacterial activity and tooth decay, so choose gum containing xylitol.
