We take tooth enamel for granted until a dental problem develops. Mostly we think of whiteness when we think of enamel’s function. But enamel is more complex than a visible white covering of our teeth. Healthy enamel plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and overall health. Here, we’ll discuss what tooth enamel is and why it’s important.
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What Is Tooth Enamel?
Four dental tissues make up your teeth. Enamel, dentin, and cementum are hard. The fourth is the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth, which is a soft tissue found in the center of each tooth. The outermost tissue is the enamel that covers the crown or top part of each tooth. The cementum covers the root, and the dentin lies beneath the enamel and cementum. All these hard tissues serve to protect the pulp of the tooth.
Enamel has several interesting characteristics, including:
· It is your hardest body part. On the hardness scale, enamel ranks between steel and titanium.
· It contains the highest percentage of minerals (96%) of any substance in your body.
· It contains 4% water.
· Completely formed enamel has no nerves or blood vessels.
· It varies in thickness on a tooth.
· It varies in color from light yellow to white.
· Enamel’s durability allows teeth to last hundreds of years. We have learned much from studying the dental remains of people throughout history.
Why Is Tooth Enamel Important?
Professional and home dental care devote time and effort to preventing discoloration, disease, and trauma to tooth enamel. Oral health focuses on the enamel because of its importance.
The significance of enamel includes:
· Enamel is the first line of defense against the acids in some foods. Acids found in foods such as citrus fruits and sodas can easily damage teeth without enamel protection.
· The whiteness of enamel gives us a confident and healthy smile. Smiling improves our appearance and has positive effects on our mood, self-esteem, and immune system.
· Healthy enamel helps us chew foods properly.
· Without enamel, the blood vessels and nerves found in the dental pulp would be highly susceptible to bacterial contamination that leads to dental abscesses.
· Enamel provides insulation from hot and cold sensitivity.
What Causes Enamel Damage?
Because enamel is the first line of defense for teeth, it’s under constant attack from various sources.
Even though enamel is tougher than bone, damage can occur from:
· Acidic foods and drinks
· Sugar
· Tobacco products
· Teeth grinding
· Tooth decay
· Some medications
· Inadequate salivary flow
· Acid reflux
· Eating disorders such as bulimia
· Alcohol consumption
· Trauma such as sports injuries
How To Protect Enamel
Once you lose enamel, your body cannot replace it naturally. Preserving and protecting enamel needs to be a priority when choosing foods, drinks, and oral hygiene products.
You can take several steps to protect your enamel, such as:
· Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes.
· Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush.
· Use a circular and not a horizontal brushing motion.
· Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
· Floss your teeth daily.
· Avoid eating excessive amounts of acidic foods.
· Eat a healthy low starch diet.
· Don’t drink soda.
· Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
· If you have inadequate salivary flow, talk with Trident General Dentistry about practical solutions.
· Wear a custom-made nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
· Wear a protective mouthguard when taking part in sports.
· Stay hydrated with clean water daily.
· Don’t chew ice.
· Don’t chew non-food items such as pencils or fingernails.
· Get regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every six months.
To learn more about preserving your enamel and keeping a healthy and bright smile, contact Trident General Dentistry for a consultation.
Schedule an Appointment with Trident General Dentistry
We hope you now know what tooth enamel is and why it’s important. To learn more about preserving your enamel and keeping a healthy and bright smile, contact Trident General Dentistry for a consultation.