While tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, it can erode when it’s exposed to too much acidity and harmful bacteria. Since it protects our teeth from cavities and decay, it’s important to remineralize tooth enamel before it’s too late, says Dr. Lewis Gross, owner of Holistic Dentists, in Tribeca. 

“Remineralization means replenishing the minerals that make up your tooth enamel,” he says. “Since calcium and phosphate are the main components of tooth enamel, you’ll want to make sure you concentrate on getting those minerals into your body. However, there are other factors that affect your enamel’s ability to remineralize, as well. These include your dietary and oral hygiene habits.”

Gross suggests these steps for preserving the tooth enamel:

Watch what you eat. Limit sugars and starches, and eat foods with calcium and phosphate, like low-sugar dairy products (cheese and lactose-free milk) and leafy greens.

Drink more water. Water washes away food residue and improves oral pH.

Chew sugarless gum. Gum sweetened with xylitol helps kill bacteria and reduce periodontal inflammation.

Use an alkaline oral cleanse. Gross recommends Alka-White 5-Day Oral Cleanse to keep the mouth’s pH above 7. 

For more information, visit Holistic-Dentists.com.