The best choice when you're
thirsty? A glass of plain
water. Many flavored waters
are acidic.
Then move it back and forth
in short, gentle strokes, about
the distance of one tooth.
2. Eat Foods That Protect
Enamel
Calcium in food counters
acids in your mouth that
cause decay. It also helps
keep your bones and teeth
strong.
Milk, cheese, and other dairy
products help protect and
strengthen enamel, says
Pamela L. Quinones, past
president of the American
Dental Hygienists'
Association. Choose low-fat
or fat-free items to help keep
calories down.
If you don't eat dairy, look for
foods with calcium added.
3. Avoid Over-Brushing
You can wear down your
enamel if you brush too fast
and hard. Hold a brush with a
soft bristle at about a 45degree angle to your gums.
Wait for up to an hour after
eating sweets or citrus fruits
before you brush your teeth.
Acidic foods can soften
enamel and may make it
easier for you to damage it.
4. Use Fluoride
The American Dental
Association (ADA) calls
fluoride "nature's cavity
fighter" because it
strengthens your enamel and
helps repair the early stages
of tooth decay.
Fluoride also makes your
teeth more resistant to acids
that come from foods and
from bacteria in your mouth.