919-682-5327 The hard, outer layer that protects your teeth against tooth decay is called tooth enamel. And even though tooth enamel is widely considered the hardest mineral substance in the human body — even tougher than bone — it still has some vulnerability, even to some unexpected attackers.
Fruit smoothies are a popular and fairly healthy drink whose acid and sugar content wears down your tooth enamel. Many smoothie shops add extra sugar for taste, and that sugar eventually turns to acid which aids in the buildup of bacteria and plaque.
When a tooth is frequently exposed to the acid in sugary drinks and starches, the enamel on your teeth is weakened by losing minerals during these acidic attacks, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.
Even so, fruit smoothies are still preferable to sodas and other excessively sugary drinks. So, below we’ve provided a few tips to help you protect your tooth enamel from fruit smoothies and other perils:
Brush your teeth before drinking your smoothie. Yes, you read that right: before. Many conscientious tooth lovers quickly brush their teeth after enjoying their sweetened drinks. But surprisingly, brushing your teeth afterward actually adds to the breakdown of your tooth enamel, allowing the acids to penetrate deeper! The acid exposure softens your enamel for a short time, making it easier to damage your teeth with the toothbrush. Instead, brush your teeth before you drink your fruit smoothie, because the fluoride in the toothpaste will add another layer to stave off the acidic assault.
Don’t get the extra sugar. Resist the temptation to succumb to an all-or-nothing approach to your dental health. If you decide to have sugar, it truly benefits your teeth to opt for less sugar. Smoothies already contain plenty of sugar from the fruit, so ask your smoothie-maker to kindly omit the additional sugar. Let “Nature’s candy” will take care of the flavor.
Drink your smoothie with a straw. It may sound too simple to be true, but if you drink with a straw, your tooth enamel gets significantly less exposure to whatever beverage you’re drinking.
OTHER TIPS FOR PROTECTING TOOTH ENAMEL
Rinse your mouth. Fruit smoothies and sodas contain a significant amount of citric acid, which is tough on your teeth. The quantity and frequency of acid exposure are only two concerns, but a third problem is how long your teeth are subjected to an acidic onslaught. So, follow your sweet drink with a glass of water or by simply rinsing your mouth.
Only chew on food. Your teeth and their protective enamel break up food very well, but they can easily get damaged if you chew on non-food items, such as ice, pens and pencils, clothing tags, fingernails and all the other things moms tell their kids to keep out of their mouths. Save your teeth for chewing things that can nourish your body.
Avoid grinding your teeth. Along the lines of only chewing food, you should avoid grinding your teeth together, as well. If you clench your teeth when you’re feeling stressed, you can fracture your enamel, damage your jaws and even wreak havoc on your tooth alignment.
Avoid brushing too hard. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for a healthy mouth and smile. But it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and it’s imperative that you brush gently.