Here at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, we want your teeth to last a lifetime! Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable so it is important to not neglect or abuse our teeth. Daily teeth and gum care is the best way to protect tooth enamel.
Even though most drug stores carries hard bristle brushes, we counsel 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 vital to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces, or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.
Bill Dorfman recommends a checkup and thorough cleaning every six months. Our skilled hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken tooth structures. Regular checkups prevent problems and save you money on expensive restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, 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 impair enamel.
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 acid and/or sugar. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of dental caries for non-water drinkers.
We hope you find these Century City Aesthetic Dentistry tips helpful. For more details on trusted dental care, or to schedule an appointment, talk to our Los Angeles family dentist office today at 310-277-5678!