How to restore and strengthen tooth enamel

Tooth enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the sensitive inner tooth. It helps you to chew, crunch and grind down your food without causing pain or discomfort and protects your teeth from hot and cold temperatures and threats like infection. Although it’s strong, your enamel can still crack, chip or slowly wear down over time in a process called tooth enamel erosion. This can put your teeth at risk of dental problems, including tooth decay and exposed tooth roots.

Tooth enamel erosion occurs when acids from plaque bacteria wear away the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Your saliva works to neutralise any acids in your mouth, but specific diets, oral hygiene habits and medical conditions can make it hard for your saliva to keep up. The foods and drinks you consume tend to be the main culprits of this acid production. These include:

• Sugary foods (like sweets or fruit juice)

• Starchy carbohydrates (like bread or potatoes)

• Acidic foods (like fizzy drinks or citrus fruits)

A diet high in these foods combined with poor oral hygiene can put your enamel at risk. Other causes of tooth enamel erosion include:

• Teeth grinding or bruxism

• Chronic acid reflux

• Dry mouth or xerostomia

• Medications (like aspirin)

• Eating disorders (like bulimia)

Because enamel plays an important role in protecting the inner, living parts of your teeth, erosion can lead to sensitivity. Eroded teeth often appear discoloured, cracked, chipped or indented. They also become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

Tooth enamel loses minerals, weakens and breaks down in stages. Once your enamel is gone, the lost portion cannot be retrieved. Your body can’t make new enamel. However, you can strengthen and repair the existing enamel. This happens through a process called remineralisation, which naturally occurs when essential minerals like fluoride, calcium and phosphate reunite with your enamel. When enamel continues to lose its minerals, it’s eventually destroyed. This leaves the sensitive dentine underneath exposed and unprotected. Applying remineralisation treatments at this stage will not restore the enamel; however, your dentist can suggest alternative treatments.

Once it’s lost, your tooth enamel can’t be grown back. However, many dental products can help to restore and strengthen tooth enamel in the early stages of demineralisation. Using a toothpaste that remineralises teeth, a fluoride mouthwash that focuses on strengthening enamel or getting a fluoride treatment or dental sealants from your dentist can all help. These products help to restore calcium and phosphates in your teeth, resulting in tougher tooth enamel. 

If your tooth enamel erosion is more advanced, your dentist may suggest composite bonding, veneers or crowns instead.

The best way to look after and strengthen tooth enamel is by following a good oral hygiene routine and making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips on preventing tooth enamel erosion: 

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste that remineralises teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gentle circular motion without too much pressure.

• Cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush can also help to strengthen gums.

• Avoid eating too many sugary, starchy and acidic foods and opt for plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

• If you drink fizzy juice, choose a sugar-free option instead. 

• Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. 

• If your diet is lacking in vitamins, speak to your doctor about the best supplements to take to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. 

• Try to reduce stress as much as possible.

• Wear a mouthguard when you sleep if you’re aware of grinding your teeth.

• Talking to your dental professional about any health conditions or medication that might contribute to tooth enamel erosion.

Your enamel takes a daily beating from the foods you eat. Implement some preventative measures by adjusting your diet and following a proper oral hygiene routine. With the right care and products, you can keep your smile strong and healthy.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about how to restore tooth enamel: