How to Strengthen Gums and Tooth Enamel

Visit your dentist for regular checkups.

Your gums and tooth enamel depend on you for good health. Your lifestyle, diet and dental care all influence the health of your mouth. Even though enamel is the body's hardest substance, it is not indestructible and any damage done to it is irreparable and permanent. Your gums hold your teeth in place and when weakened can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. There are various things you can do to strengthen your tooth enamel and gums to help avoid having to deal with any dental health problems.

Instructions

1. Practice good dental care. Floss your teeth at least once daily to get rid of food particles in between your teeth. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to eliminate plaque and help strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to kill bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and go to your dentist for checkups twice a year.

2. Watch what you eat. Limit sugar because if can affect your gum health. Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as fruit juices, soda, oranges and lemons. Acid causes tooth erosion which ultimately shrinks the size of your teeth.

3. Take a 500 mg calcium supplement daily to help maintain healthy gums and strong teeth. Take a 15 mcg vitamin D supplement daily to help your body absorb the calcium. Get calcium from food by consuming salmon, sardines, leafy green vegetables and low-fat dairy for calcium. Get vitamin D through moderate sun exposure and from foods such as milk, tuna, mackerel, margarine and rice and soy beverages.

4. Consult your doctor if you have dry mouth due to a lack of saliva flow. Medications such as those for high blood pressure can cause dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away bacteria and strengthens enamel by resupplying minerals. A lack of saliva can result in an increase of bacteria which may lead to gum disease.

5. Eat an apple or chew a piece of sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol during the day, because these help to clean your teeth and mouth by increasing the saliva flow and stimulating your gums. According to the Wellsphere website, xylitol helps harden your teeth.

6. Wear a mouth guard while you sleep if you grind your teeth, as this can damage your enamel. Practice meditation or breathe deeply to help reduce your stress levels. Stress can trigger tooth grinding.

References

• WebMD: What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
• Reader's Digest: 3 Surprising Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy
• Health911: Gingivitis/Periodontal Disease
• Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
• Wellsphere: Dental Enamel - How To Protect And Restore It; Jan. 15, 2010