Restore Tooth Enamel
A perfect smile can brighten any outfit, any day. But getting your teeth in tip-top shape isn't necessarily a quick fix. Restoring yellowed, faded or otherwise damaged tooth enamel is possible, if you take proper care of your teeth and follow certain steps to ensure long-term restoration.
Instructions
1. First, prevent enamel damage by following proper tooth hygiene. Brush teeth several times daily, preferably after meals, and be sure to floss as frequently. Supplement your daily dental routine with regular trips to your dentist. Your oral hygienist will perform a professional tooth cleaning, scrape off hardened plaque (tartar), and remove calculus deposits from your teeth, all of which are essential to preventing tooth and gum decay according to Yourdentistryguide.com.
2. If enamel decay is already present, use an over-the-counter enamel-restoring mouthwash to supplement your teeth with fluoride and other important minerals. Many pharmacies and supermarkets carry a variety of brands; speak with your dentist regarding which brand is right for you. Follow the instructions on the mouthwash bottle carefully.
3. Cap or fill eroded or severely damaged teeth with an amalgam (combines mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metallic elements) or composite (tooth-colored mixture of glass or quartz filler in resin) fillings to halt further damage and restore original coloring, according to the American Dental Association. Dental crowns are also another option, which will cover and strengthen a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size.
4. For enamel decay related to autoimmune diseases such as cancer, swish a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water several times daily to remove stains and acidity and help heal mouth sores, according to acor.org. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide in 4 ounces of water for another mouth rinse.
5. Alter your eating habits to avoid foods that are acidic or will stain teeth. Do not consume soda, sports drinks and foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, as these bathe teeth in enamel-eroding sugars, suggests Yourdentistryguide.com. Moreover, coffee and tea will stain teeth enamel; drink these beverages in moderation.
6. In line with preventative dental care measures, avoid activities that will contribute to teeth enamel erosion. Your oral health habits, such as eating too much candy or chewing tobacco, or the presence of oral diseases like gingivitis, will enact wear-and-tear on your teeth, states dental---health.com. Bulimic purging, grinding or bruxism (nighttime grinding), and physical defects like poorly placed dental fillings will also contribute to decay. Consult your dentist to determine whether an illness or other symptom may be contributing to enamel decay.
Tips Warnings
Always consult your dentist or oral hygienist before enacting drastic changes in your dental health routine.
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