There is an increased amount of awareness, thanks in part to the efforts of dentists, to explain to people and make them understand just how important the enamel actually is. The enamel is the protective outer shell that protects the teeth. Without the enamel, the teeth would sustain serious amounts of damage and an increased amount of risk for infection.
Tooth enamel is the substance that forms a shell around the top of every tooth.It is an extraordinarily hard substance that is specifically designed to protect the teeth from damage.The enamel is a shield thatprotects the vulnerable area on the side of the teeth which can sustain damage due to decay.
It is difficult to see enamel because it is translucent, which means that light is allowed to pass through it. The main portion of the tooth, known as the dentin, is actually the partresponsible for a person's tooth color. People develop stained teeth when there is discoloration in the dentin.
Why is tooth enamel so important?
Protecting a person's enamel is one of the primary functions that dentists take seriously. Every time a person puts something into their mouth, bites or chews, there is a risk of damaging the teeth. It is only the strength of the enamel that stops the teeth frombreaking apart.
Despite being an extraordinarily hard surface, enamel can easily sustain damage. Once the enamel sustains damage, it allows for decay or other problems to lead to additional damage to the underlying tooth. When the enamel wears out, chips or is broken, there is nothing standing between the bacteria in the mouth and the easily susceptible toothfrom terrible infections.
Another critical function that the enamel performs is insulating the incisor teeth from potentially painful changes in temperature, or chemicals. Although enamel is a hard protector of the teeth, it is prone to chipping and cracking. Once enamel sustains damage, the body has no means of repairing itself. Since the enamel has no living cells and the body cannot go to work repairing chips or cracks in the enamel.
Protect the enamel
It is critically important to protect the enamel. This is essentially the first step in protecting the teeth themselvesfrom conditions like decay, gum disease, periodontal disease and other conditions that may result in severe infections, chronic pain or even tooth loss.
To learn more about tooth enamel, its importance and how to best protect it, give us a call and schedule an appointment today to see a dentist.
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FAQs
Tooth enamel is the substance that forms a shell around the top of every tooth. It is an extraordinarily hard substance that is specifically designed to protect the teeth from damage. The enamel is a shield that protects the vulnerable area on the side of the teeth which can sustain damage due to decay.
Why is tooth enamel important? ›
What does tooth enamel do? Enamel's main job is to protect your teeth from damage. When you chew, you risk damage to your teeth because you have to grind your food. In most cases, your enamel is hard enough to prevent teeth from being damaged while you're eating.
Why is it important that the enamel is hard? ›
It's the hardest substance in the human body – even stronger than bone – and is made up almost entirely of minerals. These minerals give enamel its strength so it can protect your teeth from damage and help keep them looking bright, white and healthy.
How to restore tooth enamel naturally? ›
6 Tips on How to Remineralize Teeth
- Increase Saliva Production. One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. ...
- Drink More Water. ...
- Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste. ...
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ...
- Eat a Remineralization Diet. ...
- Dodge Acidic Drinks.
Are There Complications? Teeth with thin, soft, or no enamel are at risk of early tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. Healthy enamel protects your teeth against these dental issues. Without this buffer, the sensitive parts of teeth are left exposed.
Can you restore enamel? ›
Can Tooth Enamel Be Restored? Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
How to know if enamel is damaged? ›
One of the most common signs your tooth's enamel is damaged is sensitivity. You may notice discomfort while eating or drinking something with hot or hot temperatures. The more your enamel gets damaged, the more extreme your sensitivity will become.
What damages the enamel on your teeth? ›
Dental erosion occurs when acid starts to dissolve and soften the enamel surface of your teeth. It is most often caused by acid from food or drinks. Excessive vomiting can lead to tooth erosion because stomach acid is in contact with your teeth. Dental erosion is different from tooth decay.
Can enamel repair itself? ›
The enamel on our teeth is not living tissue, so it cannot repair itself if it is damaged or eroded. Once the enamel is gone, it's gone for good. This is why it's so important to take care of our teeth and to avoid anything that could damage or erode the enamel.
What causes tooth enamel loss? ›
Acid is the main cause of the loss of tooth enamel. It eats away at the enamel over time, leaving the tooth without protection. Food and drinks are the most common causes of tooth enamel loss, but there are other issues that can contribute to high acid production, including: Dry mouth.
In particular, teeth vitamins A, C, D, and K, along with calcium, are crucial for good dental health. Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. It is the main mineral in teeth and bones and helps to keep them strong and healthy.
What toothpaste is best for enamel? ›
A quick look at the best remineralizing toothpaste
- Best anti-cavity remineralizing toothpaste: 3M Clinpro 5000.
- Best remineralizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel.
- Best overall remineralizing toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Advanced.
Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.
What is the disease with no enamel on teeth? ›
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) refers to a group of rare, inherited disorders characterized by abnormal enamel formation.
How do you fix missing enamel on your teeth? ›
Dental bonding involves applying a dental resin to the tooth surface to protect damaged areas and restore the intact surface. Enamel damage is usually experienced on the front of your teeth. If the outward-facing area of your teeth has experienced a serious degree of damage, porcelain veneers can replace the enamel.
What happens if the enamel comes off my teeth? ›
What happens if enamel is gone? Tooth enamel erosion exposes the inner layers of your teeth to open air and the foods and drinks you consume. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, tooth enamel loss can make your teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sweets.
What is the function of the tooth enamel? ›
Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and serves as the wear-resistant outer layer of the dental crown. It forms an insulating barrier that protects the tooth from physical, thermal, and chemical forces that would otherwise be injurious to the vital tissue in the underlying dental pulp.
What does wearing away of tooth enamel mean? ›
Dental erosion is the loss of the surface of your teeth due to acids you eat or drink, or acids coming up from your stomach. These acids can wash away the hard substance that makes up your teeth, leading to tooth surface loss.
There is an increased amount of awareness, thanks in part to the efforts of dentists, to explain to people and make them understand just how important the enamel actually is. The enamel is the protective outer shell that protects the teeth. Without the enamel, the teeth would sustain serious amounts of damage and an increased amount of risk for infection.