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Tagged: teeth enamel

Can Toothpaste Strengthen Your Teeth?

Discolored_teethToothpaste marketers have long pitched enamel-strengthening toothpastes they claim harden the tooth’s protective layer, thereby making it more resistant to attacks from acids found in food and beverages like soda, orange juice and even pickles. Scientists are in agreement these toothpastes do make enamel more acid-resistant—but not nearly enough to protect you if you chug soda all day.

Enamel is a thin covering over teeth made from an organic matrix and minerals, largely crystals of calcium phosphate, says Therametric Technologies Inc., a Noblesville firm that sells and tests dental products. Enamel is vulnerable both to decay, caused by acids in bacteria, and to erosion, defined as direct assault from acids from food and drink. The biggest offenders include diet and regular sodas, citrus beverages, red wine and some sports drinks.

While everyone is vulnerable to acid erosion, the problem worsens as we age due to a decrease in production of saliva—which both washes away acids and neutralizes them. Certain medications also decrease saliva production.

What’s an Acid Fighter?

A number of toothpastes that claim to combat acid erosion and strengthen enamel are now on the market. Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield’s label says it “protects against acid attack.” Sensodyne ProNamel says it “protects against the effects of acid erosion.” Colgate Total’s line includes an “Enamel Strength” version. A CVS store brand promises it “helps harden tooth enamel with acid protection formula.”

The claims are often based on the presence of fluoride, which scientists say combines with minerals in your mouth to create a crystal called fluorapatite on the surface of your teeth. Some of the toothpastes, including Crest’s Enamel Shield, Sensodyne ProNamel and Squigle Inc.’s Enamel Saver, are also formulated to be less abrasive to protect your enamel from rubbing off when brushing. (Squigle is a manufacturer of a small brand of toothpastes it says are non-irritating to the mouth.)

Scientists give mixed reviews to the claims. They say it is incorrect to say a toothpaste can strengthen enamel as it doesn’t make teeth physically stronger against shearing forces—such as biting into a piece of popcorn. The products do make the tooth surface more resistant to acids in the diet, says John Featherstone, dean of the University of California School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

While dentists agree toothpastes can help protect enamel, you should still drink acidic beverages in moderation. “You can’t drink erosive foods and drinks in high frequency and expect a toothpaste to protect you,” says Mark S. Wolff, a professor and chairman of the department of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry. (Cariology is the study of tooth decay.)

Regardless of the toothpaste you use, it is important not to brush your teeth immediately after drinking acids as that is when enamel is most vulnerable to wear from brushing, adds Teresa Marshall, an associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in Iowa City. It’s a good idea to take a few sips of water after drinking or eating acids, scientists add, and sugar-free gum can help by stimulating saliva production.

Label Study

As for toothpastes touting enamel strengthening, an informal inspection of labels in pharmacy aisles found the toothpastes often had nearly identical ingredients to other products by the same manufacturers that don’t make enamel claims. Some of the distinction, companies say, involves proprietary differences in proportions of ingredients.

Scientists say any well-designed fluoride toothpaste will make enamel more acid resistant. The enamel-strengthening claims on the label are “a marketing gimmick,” says Dr. Featherstone, who has done paid consulting for a number of toothpaste makers. Consumers should choose a toothpaste with a taste they like, as they’ll use it more, he says. He recommends major brands because a lot of research goes into proper formulation.

Procter & Gamble says its Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield is the result of more than a decade of research and seven separate inventions. The company says the term “strengthens enamel” on the label refers to making teeth more chemically resistant to acid. GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Sensodyne ProNamel, says that, while fluoride doesn’t significantly harden normal tooth enamel it does have a hardening effect on enamel which has been softened by acid erosion. Colgate-Palmolive declined to be interviewed.

At least two companies—P&G and GlaxoSmithKline—have published studies showing their toothpastes help protect enamel in test subjects wearing either crowns or appliances with test teeth in them. (This type of research allows scientists to perform controlled tests, such as deliberately creating acid erosion on the test teeth.) However, there aren’t enough well-designed studies directly comparing one toothpaste with another to determine if one toothpaste is really better than another, scientists say.

Can “Extra Fluoride” Help?

Based on ingredients, there are some differentiation points. Colgate’s new ProClinical Daily Renewal for Enamel, has 1,500 parts per million of fluoride—more than most toothpastes, according to the company’s website. Sensodyne ProNamel is specially formulated so that more fluoride is available, enhancing the process of remineralizing enamel, GlaxoSmithKline says. Scientists say extra fluoride is likely to have at least a small additional effect on enamel—but more research is needed.

P&G’s Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield, which came out last year, is made with a particular type of fluoride called stannous fluoride. In addition to forming fluorapatite crystals like other fluorides, stannous fluoride also has a toxic effect on acid-producing mouth bacteria, says biochemist Matthew J. Doyle, director of global research and development for P&G’s oral-care division. Stannous fluoride also protects against tooth sensitivity by blocking small tunnels in the teeth, he adds.

Crest’s Pro-Health Enamel Shield also has sodium hexametaphosphate, an ingredient that forms a protective film over the teeth that lasts six or seven hours. “It’s a sacrificial layer that protects the surface of the tooth,” Dr. Doyle says.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Are your Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive Teeth IndianapolisTooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. According to the Academy of General Dentistry nearly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity.

It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Naturally, over time the enamel on your teeth wears down leaving the more sensitive and porous inner layer exposed. Factors other than age, often factors that are controllable, can cause enamel to wear down more quickly and result in sensitive teeth.

Here are some reasons why you could be experiencing this mouth malady — and what steps you should take to ease the pain:

  1. You may be brushing with too much force! Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or with too hard-bristled a toothbrush. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.
  1. You grind your teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, even though it’s the strongest substance in your body. Grinding your teeth, or bruxism affects millions of adults and children.
  1. You may have gum disease.Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health), can cause tooth sensitivity. More than three-quarters of American adults over age 35 get periodontal (gum) disease.  If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask our staff at Southport Dental if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Get a Whiter Smile with Teeth Whitening!

Teeth whitening Indianapolis

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Dental bleaching or tooth whitening is a common procedure in general dentistry.

Tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. It can last a few months to up to three years. The whitening effect varies from person to person. The whitening will not last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea, or coffee which can all stain your teeth.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  • Natural aging of tooth structure.
  • Brighten your smile.

Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it’s ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings). If you think you might be a good candidate for teeth whitening, let us know and we will schedule you for a teeth whitening evaluation.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Spring Break Dental Tips from Southport Dental

Spring Break Dental TipsSpring break is just a few weeks away. It’s a time when you and your family look forward to getting away together on vacation.

Your vacation is not the time to neglect your teeth. Your overall oral health shouldn’t take a break!

There are a few spring break dental care tips you should know and consider while on vacation.

  1. Drink water. Drinking water throughout the day will reduce the buildup of plaque on your teeth.
  1. Avoid sugary drinks. High sugar drinks such as soda erode the enamel on your teeth.
  1. When traveling, have all regular oral heath essentials with you. Bring healthy snacks (such as apples) that act as a cleanser for your teeth. Carry travel-size toothbrushes and mouthwash for road trips.

Whatever your plans are this spring break, remember to keep up with your dental care. Spring break isn’t the time to give your teeth a break! If you would like to schedule an appointment before your break give us a call.

The staff at Southport Dental is dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental PC – Tips To Help Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Tooth-anatomyTooth enamel erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin. Some foods and drinks are worse than others for tooth enamel loss.  The most common drinks and food that contribute to enamel loss are Sports Drinks, Energy Drinks, Fruit and Fruit Juices. All of these cause dental erosion because of the citric and phosphoric acids.

Here are 3 tips from Southport Dental on things you can do to minimize tooth enamel erosion:

1. Don’t rush to brush 

– Wait for 30-60 seconds after drinking a soda so your teeth have time to re-mineralize from the acid softening the enamel on the teeth.

2. Drink through a straw

– By drinking through a straw the contact to your teeth will be minimalized because the acidic beverages will not come into as much contact with teeth.

3. Don’t eat before bed

– When you sleep the saliva flow dramatically decreases taking longer to neutralize the acids. It’s best to not eat anything at least an hour before bed.

You might not notice enamel erosion at first because the differences in your teeth are subtle. However, as you lose more enamel, you’ll begin having additional symptoms. If your teeth hurt or throb when you eat something hot or cold, you probably are experiencing some enamel loss. This problem gets worse over time.

The enamel around your teeth is very important because it protects teeth from damage and allows you to eat foods without hurting your teeth. As long as you take good care of your enamel, you’re teeth will continue to be protected for years to come.

Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

What our patients are saying about us.

I always have a great experience at Southport Dental. They listen to my concerns about my teeth and take the time to explain my options. They have fit me in on short notice when necessary and still manage to have time to listen.

- Anonymous

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