Enamel is a thin, hard material that lines dentin, the main body of teeth; its function is to protect teeth from extreme temperatures and daily wear. While it can withstand the damage that dentin would not withstand, it is a material devoid of live cells that cannot regenerate itself after chipping or breaking. If you intervene promptly, have regular checkups at the dentist and maintain good oral hygiene, you can repair or replace the enamel you have lost.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Repair the Nail Polish
Step 1. Learn what causes enamel erosion
There are many factors that can affect the surface layer, including poor nutrition and some diseases. If you recognize them, you can prevent tooth decay.
- Acidic beverages, including citrus juices and sodas, contribute to enamel erosion.
- Diets high in starches and sugars are another common cause of weakening of the protective layer of the teeth.
- Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, xerostomia, hereditary diseases, reduced saliva production and gastrointestinal problems are other factors responsible.
- Medicines, including aspirin and antihistamines, also contribute to this phenomenon.
- The mechanical aspects are not to be forgotten, such as wear due to chewing, bruxism, friction, the too aggressive action of the toothbrush and even brushing the teeth when the enamel is softened.
- Poor oral hygiene reduces the strength of the enamel.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of dental erosion
- Teeth yellowed. This feature is caused by a thinning of the enamel through which the dentin color emerges;
- Excessive sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks
- Fractures and chipping of the teeth;
- Holes or indentations on the surface of the teeth
- Visible spots.
Step 3. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid and can also reverse the tooth decay process in the early stages. If you brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, you can regenerate the enamel or prevent it from weakening further.
- You can buy this product in most pharmacies and even supermarkets.
- Ask your dentist for some information. An excess of fluoride can sometimes do more harm than good, like fluorosis, especially in children.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride toothpaste with higher concentrations than those available for sale.
Step 4. Gargle with a fluoride mouthwash
If you feel that the fluoridated toothpaste is too aggressive, you can use a mouthwash; in this way you restore the enamel and prevent it from weakening further.
- This type of mouthwash is available in all pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Your dentist may also prescribe a stronger product if the free version isn't effective enough.
Step 5. Try Fluorinated Gels
Ask your dentist to prescribe one, as it helps your teeth not lose enamel, prevents tooth decay and improves general oral hygiene.
Fluoride gels are useful for strengthening enamel, extending the life of fillings and dentures
Step 6. Remineralize your teeth naturally
Incorporate this type of treatment into your oral care routine to restore enamel and reverse the tooth decay process.
- Healthy fats, such as butter to which live lactic ferments and coconut oil have been added, are able to remineralize teeth and encourage enamel repair. Bone broth is also an excellent food in this sense.
- Take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- If you add 120ml of coconut oil to your daily diet you can replenish lost enamel.
Step 7. Ask your dentist for advice on various fillings
If the home remedies do not lead to the desired results, consider other solutions with your doctor. The treatments that will be proposed to you depend on the severity of dental erosion and the presence of caries; application of crowns, veneers or filling material may be required.
Step 8. Crowns are grafted in cases of extensive caries and enamel loss
Their function is to cover the natural tooth and restore its original shape. They are custom made to perfectly seal the healthy tooth and are able to prevent other cavities and enamel loss.
- The dentist will remove the cavities with the drill and place a crown over the tooth.
- The crowns are available in gold, porcelain or resin.
Step 9. Apply the dental veneers
In this case, the dentist "glues" on the front part of the tooth some vitrified porcelain veneers. They are able to hide eroded, broken, chipped enamel and prevent further damage.
Step 10. Repair eroded areas with fillings
These materials repair the cavities that contribute to dental erosion; they also prevent the situation from worsening and promote the well-being of the teeth.
The filling materials can be gold or silver amalgam, of the same color as the teeth or in a composite material created to smooth surfaces and reduce dental sensitivity
Step 11. Evaluate the sealants
These materials coat the teeth and protect them from tooth decay. Your dentist will apply them to your teeth and you will enjoy 10 years of protection from acids and other corrosive elements.
Step 12. Complete the dental repair procedure
You will have to go back to the dentist several times to completely repair the enamel. Follow her directions carefully regarding treatments, care and oral hygiene.
Part 2 of 2: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your teeth and floss every day, especially after meals
These simple actions after eating allow you to keep your teeth, gums and fillings healthy. A clean environment avoids the continuous erosion of the enamel and unsightly stains.
- Make sure you brush your teeth after meals if you can. Food stuck between the teeth promotes worsening of the damage to the enamel. If you don't have your toothbrush with you, you can chew on some gum.
- Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after eating or drinking any acidic food, as acid can weaken the enamel and brushing right away could damage it.
Step 2. Limit your consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks
Both are elements that contribute to the erosion of the enamel; for this reason you can improve the health of the oral cavity by reducing its consumption. If for some reason you have eaten them, brush your teeth immediately afterwards to limit the damage.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with no lack of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to promote overall health, including that of the oral cavity.
- Even some healthy foods are acidic, such as citrus fruits. Don't exclude them from your diet, but limit your consumption and remember to brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
- Sugary and acidic foods and beverages include soft drinks, sweets, candies and wine.
Step 3. Avoid mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol
Both reduce the strength of the enamel and may even stain it. To avoid these unpleasant consequences, use colorless, alcohol-free mouthwashes and toothpastes.
These products are available in most pharmacies, supermarkets and even online
Step 4. Prefer tap water to bottled water
In many countries, drinking water from the tap is treated with fluoride to help decrease tooth degradation and strengthen tooth enamel. Unless it is specified on the label that it contains fluorine, the process of distillation, filtration and reverse osmosis removes the presence of this substance from the water. Some recent studies seem to associate the consumption of bottled water with the reappearance of caries in children. Drinking bottled water instead of tap water could contribute to the loss of tooth enamel.
- Also, some types of bottled water can actually be more acidic, which can be just as bad for your teeth;
- You may want to contact the manufacturer of your favorite brand to find out if their water contains fluoride.
Step 5. Don't grind your teeth
If you have a bad habit of clenching your jaw and clenching your teeth, then you can damage the enamel and the teeth themselves. If you suffer from bruxism, ask your dentist to provide you with a bite.
- Bruxism damages blocked teeth and causes increased tooth sensitivity; it can cause damage including small cracks or chips.
- There are other bad habits that damage your teeth, such as biting your nails, opening bottles, or holding objects with your teeth. Avoid doing this to avoid damaging your natural teeth or fillings.
Step 6. Get regular dental checkups and cleanings at your dentist's office
Both of these procedures are an integral part of good oral hygiene. Go to the dentist at least twice a year or more often if you have problems with your teeth or enamel.
Step 7. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing induces increased saliva production which, in turn, prevents tooth decay. Xylitol has been shown to be effective in reducing bacterial activity and tooth decay, so consider chewing gum that contains it.
