If you’re prone to lots of cavities or weak spots in your teeth, your enamel, or the outer shell of your teeth, could be damaged. That can lead to problems such as sensitivity and even pain. It can be caused by multiple lifestyle choices and even factors that aren’t choices. What exactly is enamel? And how do you take care of it, so it doesn’t get damaged? Read on as a dentist answers all of your questions about tooth enamel.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth. It can range in color from yellow to white to even gray, depending on your genetics and lifestyle. It protects the sensitive layer underneath, known as dentin. Dentin leads to the nerves of the tooth, so it’s important that your enamel stays strong and intact in order to keep your nerves from being overstimulated by sweets or food with extremely hot or cold temperatures.
Enamel is the hardest material in the human body, because it’s not comprised of any living cells. Unfortunately, this means that it cannot regenerate. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. This is why it’s important to protect and restore what enamel you have left while it’s still there.
How Do You Know If Your Enamel Is Damaged?
Enamel can be eroded away by several factors, including:
- Drinking lots of sodas
- Dry mouth
- Diet high in sugary and starchy foods
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Certain medications like antihistamines or aspirin
- Genetics
- Stress causing you to grind or clench your teeth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to ask your dentist about the state of your tooth enamel:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Yellow discoloration
- Cracks and chips
- Indentations on tooth surface
How Can You Protect Your Enamel?
It’s crucial to protect the enamel you have left. You can do that by following these steps:
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and fights cavities.
- Limit your intake of highly acidic or sugary foods and drinks. If you’re going to consume them, rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterwards.
- Cut back on the number of times you snack a day.
- Chew sugar-free gum in between meals to stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps fight decay and re-mineralize your enamel.
- If you have dry mouth, drink more water throughout the day.
- Ask your dentist if sealants might be right for you to prevent decay.
Now you see how important enamel is and why you have to protect it. When in doubt, ask your dentist for more advice on how to keep your enamel in good shape.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2008 from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. In 2012 he returned to the school to earn a master’s degree in Dental Science. He believes in saving what precious enamel you have left. He can help you do that if you contact him at (386)-677-1046.