5 Natural Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), almost 30 percent of adults and about 20 percent of adolescents have untreated tooth decay. Most people mistakenly assume that teeth can only be strengthened or developed during childhood and adolescence. However, there are certain dietary and lifestyle changes that adults can make to strengthen their teeth. Below introduces five ways to naturally strengthen your teeth.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Tooth decay occurs through bacteria forming plaque that turns to acid when it come into contact with sugar and starch. Certain processed food and drinks, especially those with high levels of sugar or starch, are harmful to dental health. Consuming these results in tooth demineralization, cavities, and worse. For example, soft drinks are full of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and phosphoric acid. Sports drinks and energy drinks are sugary and often contain large amounts of citric acid for flavoring, which harms dental health. Hardy and sticky candies get stuck between the teeth. Processed snacks, such as cookies, donuts, and cake are loaded with sugars.

Foods and Drinks to Consume

Green and black tea not only contain fluoride, but also catechin polyphenols, which naturally kill bacteria. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber have a natural detergent effect on the teeth. Certain fruits and vegetables have high water content, which helps to dilute their natural sugars. In addition to this, they stimulate saliva flow, which helps to restore lost minerals. Cheese not only stimulates saliva, but also contains calcium. Chicken, meat, and nuts contain calcium and phosphorus, which are the building blocks of remineralization.

Vitamins

Daily vitamins are an excellent source of teeth-building minerals. For example, vitamin A maintains tooth enamel and gum tissues. Vitamin B deficiencies can actually cause receding gums. Vitamin C strengthens connective tissues and boosts immunity. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium. Keep in mind that teeth are basically bones, so your body needs at least 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium every day. Consuming the daily recommended vitamin amounts will keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride naturally occurs in water sources, but is not strong enough to help with dental health. In fact, the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) estimates that community water fluoridation has reduced tooth decay by over 50 percent. Fluoride reverses the tooth decay process through re-mineralization. While most store-bought toothpastes contain fluoride, it is often not enough to stop demineralization in adult teeth. Prescription strength fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to re-mineralize adult teeth. Fluoride protects and strengthens teeth through slowing down the decay process and increasing the re-mineralization process, which results in new enamel crystals being formed. If needed, talk to your dentist in Salt Lake City or your specific locale about getting a prescription fluoride toothpaste.

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for all aspects of your body's health. Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products can cause tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. Over-consumption of alcohol can also result in a dehydrated mouth, which causes oral bacteria to thrive. As always, practicing proper oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, is critical to dental health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you get your teeth cleaned twice a year.

To summarize, dental health is important well-being and quality of life. The good news is that there are proven natural ways to strengthen your teeth. Certain foods and drinks should be avoided while others should be consumed. Be sure to take daily vitamins and talk to your dentist about getting a prescription fluoride toothpaste. Finally, make important lifestyle changes, which include semi-annual visits to your local dentist.