At some point, while watching TV, there’s a good chance you heard a dental commercial addressing the importance of protecting your tooth enamel. It’s easy to fast-forward past these commercials, but they may have left you wondering what tooth enamel is and why it’s critical to your dental health.
Tooth enamel, simply put, is the robust, glossy armor that shields your teeth from daily wear and tear. It’s the hardest substance in the human body, even harder than bone, and it covers the outer layer of each tooth. Its primary role is to protect your teeth during essential functions such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Despite its toughness, however, it can still be damaged by decay and erosion, posing significant threats to your dental health.
Columbia Smiles offers a wide range of dental services that can help protect your enamel. Call 410.690.4855 today to schedule an appointment.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is truly nature’s wonder, a durable protective layer that safeguards your teeth against the rigors of everyday use. This hard crystalline substance, which is primarily composed of minerals, forms a barrier over the surface of your teeth. It is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria and acids that can lead to tooth decay or cavities. This glossy, semi-transparent outer layer of your teeth doesn’t just lend them their characteristic shine; it also plays a critical role in insulating the sensitive inner layers from temperature extremes and chemicals.
Ways That Your Teeth Enamel Can Be Damaged
While tooth enamel is strong, it’s not invincible. Acids that certain foods and drinks introduce can place your enamel in danger. Sodas and sweets, in particular, produce plaque bacteria, which can weaken and destroy your tooth enamel, which softens the tooth surface. Furthermore, once plaque has consumed your enamel, it may be gone forever.
Both abrasion and erosion affect your tooth enamel. Abrasion occurs when something rubs against your teeth too hard. By poking your teeth with toothpicks, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or removing retainers or dentures, you may be causing abrasion. Conversely, when you’re eating certain acidic foods or drinks regularly, you’re causing erosion. When plaque bacteria forms around the gum line, your teeth are also dealing with erosion.
How to Tell if Your Enamel Is Damaged
Recognizing the signs of enamel damage can be the first step towards protecting your tooth enamel and maintaining your oral health. The indicators of enamel erosion can vary, but here are a few common signs to look out for:
- Tooth sensitivity – If your teeth become increasingly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, it could be a sign that your enamel is thinning.
- Visible discoloration – When the enamel wears down, the underlying dentin (a yellowish, bony tissue) can become visible, leading to discoloration. This usually manifests as yellowing of the teeth.
- Rough or irregular tooth surface – Enamel erosion can lead to rough spots, cracks, or chips on the surface of your teeth.
- Transparent or translucent appearance – Teeth may start to appear transparent or slightly translucent along the biting edges.
- Cupping – Dents or indentations on the surfaces of the teeth, also known as cupping, can occur with ongoing enamel erosion.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
Can I Rebuild My Enamel?
Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is lost, your body cannot regenerate it, mainly because the cells responsible for its creation, known as ameloblasts, are only active during tooth development. However, while you can’t regrow enamel, it’s possible to help remineralize it. Remineralization is a process that helps repair the early stages of tooth decay and prevents it from progressing further.
The key to achieving this lies in maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting healthy dietary habits.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Floss daily
- Regularly use an antiseptic mouthwash to help remineralize and strengthen your enamel
- Follow a balanced diet rich in calcium and phosphorus
- Include dairy products and protein-rich foods to support the remineralization process
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups
Your dentist can also apply certain remineralizing products, such as fluoride or calcium phosphate, to your teeth and help prevent enamel loss. These products strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
Call Columbia Smiles Today
If you’re looking for a dedicated team of experts to help protect and care for your tooth enamel, look no further than Columbia Smiles. Our experienced professionals, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, will provide the necessary guidance and treatments to maintain the health and shine of your teeth. Whether it’s regular check-ups, tips to prevent enamel erosion, or specific treatments to strengthen your enamel, we can help. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Columbia Smiles today at 410.690.4855 or reach out online.
