Preserve Enamel
As we age, our teeth become a bigger expense. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Still, it can’t repair or regenerate itself like most body cells. Using toothpaste with fluoride helps to harden our enamel. Similar to the new ceramic coating some people put on their cars, fluoride creates a hard mineral surface on your teeth. This coating protects teeth from acid and bacteria that strip minerals from our teeth.
Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
We don’t recommend using alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they disrupt the mouth’s natural bacteria balance. It is like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Avoid Acids
A lot of drinks are acidic and can wear down teeth. Limit these as much as possible. If you drink them, it’s good to rinse your mouth with water after drinking them. Here is a list of some acidic drinks, from least to most acidic:
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Tea
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Coffee
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Any fizzy drink, including sugar-free and club soda
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Wine and other alcohol
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Most juices and colas are very acidic
Cavities Down, Cleanings Up
Brushing our teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help preserve our enamel. What about regular trips to the dentist? There is little reason to fill cavities in children who don’t have permanent teeth. The infection and pain rates are the same whether the cavities are filled or not. In the 1970s, due to fluoride, there was a steep drop in the number of cavities people got. Dentists had to add other treatments to stay busy.
Clean Every 2 Years
The recommendation for teeth cleaning every 6 months was introduced. Yet, cleaning intervals of up to 24 months have shown to be no worse for gum disease or tooth decay. Yet, most dentists still recommend a cleaning every 6 months.
Fancy Toothpaste
There is a type of toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride but contains another ingredient that is known to strengthen teeth. The ingredient is called nano-hydroxyapatite or nano-HA. This toothpaste is expensive, so it’s not in most stores, but it can be ordered online.
Make Informed Decisions
It’s always important to take charge of your own health. Although we can trust our doctors and dentists, they don’t always have the same incentives we do regarding our health. If you have dental pain or gum disease, visit your dentist as soon as you can. But if your teeth aren’t giving you problems, you may be better off saving some money and extending your cleaning visits to 24 months.
