In today’s article, we shall talk about the tooth enamel, which servers a very important role. Even if you do not know anything about it, we all start somewhere!
So, you might have heard the word ‘enamel’ from your dentist, a frien d, or off a website.. but what exactly is it? Can you eat it? What does it look like? All of this and more, we shall find out right here!
Just what is this tooth enamel?
Alright, in short words, the tooth enamel is what covers your teeth. A very hard shell that surrounds and protects soft inside of the tooth. It is also worth mentioning that a thick enamel is what gives our teeth that pearly color.
A healthy enamel not only keeps changes of temperature and pressure to harm the pulp, but also helps us at eating and maintaining a great dental health. Whereas a worn down or thin enamel not only gives way to tooth sensitivity, but also a yellowish color to the teeth due the dentin’s natural color peeking in.
What is it made of?
The tooth enamel, believe it or not, is the hardest part of our bodies. That’s right, they are harder than bone itself!
The name of the hard crystallization that makes the tooth enamel is hydroxyapatite. Since it is a mineral, it contains no living tissue. This means the body cannot fully regenerate it on its own making it is prompt to enamel erosion. For this, we use a mineral called fluoride as well as saliva to help the remineralization of the enamel. The objective is to supply the
What can affect my tooth enamel?
We asked Los Algodones dentists about what can tear down and weaken the tooth enamel, and here is what they have told us:
- Sweet and acidic drinks. Popular drinks such as soda, sport drinks, coffee, and even juice can have a great impact on your teeth. The sugar and/or acidity in them as well as the amount and time of exposure throughout a day matter.
- An unbalanced diet. Failing to provide the necessary nutrients to your body can have its consequences! Having a good diet is essential for good health.
- Bacteria an germs that form plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that slowly eats away your tooth enamel! Not only that, but it can also harden into tartar where more plaque can form.
- Acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems. The acidity of the stomach is able to weaken and damage the tooth enamel. This can also come from eating disorders such as bulimia.
- Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. The lack of saliva production is a huge reason in order to develop not only cavities, but also bad breath.
- Impact and damage to the teeth. Either by grinding, clenching or opening things with your tooth, it all poses a threat to your tooth enamel.
Time to prevent damage!
Now time to hop onto the tips that will save and take care of your teeth! These are especially gathered by our Los Algodones dentists, so be sure to pay attention:
- Brushing is your major line of defense against harmful bacteria. Usually brushing twice a day, in the morning and at night, is enough to remove plaque and keep bacteria at bay. You are welcome to brush more if you feel the need to!
- Dental floss is also a good way to protect your enamel. This is because brushing is not too effective at reaching narrow spots as those between the teeth.
- Watch out for dry mouth, keep yourself hydrated. Saliva does wonders by constantly protecting our mouth against bacteria. Drinking water happens to increase saliva production.
- Be mindful about the sweets and starchy foods you consume. We do not say that they should be avoided at all costs, but make sure to remove the remains. Leftover food fuels bacteria into harming your tooth enamel.
- Do not use your teeth for opening or cutting things. So no, you shouldn’t be opening bottles, cutting tape, or crunching ice with your teeth.
- Last but not least, visit your dentist twice a year. Through it is that you are able to get a thorough cleaning and also some words of advice! They also tell you if you are doing something wrong and are able to keep tracks of how your mouth develops thorough the years.