Did you know your teeth are made up of layers? The hard outer layer of enamel protects the softer inner layers and keeps your teeth healthy and firmly in place. Many people know the tooth enamel is important, but often they do not fully understand exactly what it does. Below, find out more about the enamel and the vital role it plays from your trusted dentist.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
A tooth is made up of four materials: enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum. Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the tooth. In a healthy tooth, it is the only layer of the tooth you can see above the gums with the naked eye. Under the tooth enamel are the softer layers of dentin and pulp (the nerves and blood vessels). The enamel does not cover the root of the tooth, the cementum does. Cementum is a very thin layer of tissue that connects on one side to the tooth root and on the other side to the ligamant that holds the tooth in its socket. The tooth enamel plays a crucial role because it completely covers the exposed part of each of the teeth and keeps them safe from cavities, sensitivity, and other problems. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can get weak and erode when exposed to acids and bacteria.
What Happens When Tooth Enamel Erodes?
Tooth enamel is vulnerable to the substances in what you eat and drink. Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) can also cause the enamel to get weak and wear away. If the tooth enamel is eroding, your dentist will recommend treatment immediately.
If detected early enough, a cavity can actually be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits and remineralization through a topical fluoride treatment. If too much enamel has already been lost, a filling will likely be recommended. More advanced decay or erosion may require a dental crown and can even require root canal treatment.
How Can I Protect Tooth Enamel?
Taking care of your tooth enamel requires good oral hygiene practices at home and regular visits to your dentist. Some tips to help you protect this crucial outer layer of the tooth include the following:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Floss between teeth daily.
- Use a toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent erosion
- Avoid eating and drinking acidic or sweet foods and beverages too often, including carbonated sodas/water, coffee, candy, cake, ice cream, sweet yogurt, etc.
- Seek treatment for nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
Your dentist is your biggest ally when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and strong for the long-haul. If it has been longer than six months since your last dental visit, do not wait another day to schedule an appointment — your healthy, lasting smile depends on it.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a highly trained and experienced general and family dentist offering excellence in dentistry in Castle Rock, WA. To learn more about his practice or how you can keep you and your family healthy, do not hesitate to get in touch by calling (360) 274-9100 today.
Your Dentist Explains the Importance of Tooth Enamel