Health Nuggets

Week 2 of our Dental Health Series:  Protecting Your Enamel.

Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. It protects against decay and sensitivity, but once enamel wears away, it cannot grow back. Taking steps to protect it is essential for long-term oral health.

Limit acidic foods and drinks.  Acids weaken enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to damage. Common sources include soda, sports drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices, wine, and vinegar-based foods. Try to enjoy these in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Avoid brushing right after eating acidic foods.  Acid temporarily softens enamel. Wait at least 30–60 minutes before brushing so you don’t scrub away weakened enamel.

Use fluoride toothpaste.  Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste approved by dental professionals.

Fluoridating the community water supply is a safe, effective way to ensure the majority of Minnesotans receive protection from tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have proclaimed community water fluoridation as 1 of 10 great public health achievements for the 20th century.  If you have your own well, you can speak to a Public Health nurse about how to have your water tested for fluoride.  Studies show that community water fluoridation prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults, even in a time when fluoride is widely available from other sources, like fluoride toothpaste and mouth wash. 

Drink more water as water helps wash away food particles and acids. Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste work together to prevent cavities. Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride in the mouth all day. Bottled water may or may not contain fluoride.  Water labeled as de-ionized, purified, demineralized, or distilled contain no or only trace amounts of fluoride, unless they specifically list fluoride as an added ingredient.

Dental sealants can protect grooves in your teeth.  Children of all ages can benefit from dental sealants. They can be applied to both baby (primary) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth, starting from the age of 2 and continuing throughout adulthood

Don’t use your teeth as tools.  Opening packages, biting nails, or chewing on ice can chip or crack enamel.

Wear a mouthguard if you grind or play sports.  Teeth grinding (bruxism) and sports injuries can wear down or fracture enamel. A custom mouthguard offers protection.

Choose enamel-friendly snacks.  Dairy products like cheese and yogurt, as well as crunchy vegetables, help neutralize acids and support enamel strength.

See your dentist regularly.  Routine cleanings and exams help detect early enamel wear and allow for preventive treatment. (CDC and AAP February 2026)

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)