When it comes to taking care of your oral health, it’s important to understand exactly what your dentist means when they use certain terms. You’ve probably heard the term “tooth enamel” before, but do you know exactly what it is? Or why it’s so important to protect it? Here’s what you need to know about enamel and how you can use that knowledge to take better care of your teeth.
What is Tooth Enamel?
The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and is the hardest tissue in the body. It can be light yellow or grayish white, but it’s semi-translucent (meaning light can be seen through it), so it only partially affects the appearance of your teeth.
What Does Enamel Do?
Enamel protects the teeth from the physical damage of daily chewing and biting; it also shields the sensitive inner layers from food or beverages that are too hot or too cold.
Moreover, the enamel is the tooth’s first line of defense against a potential infection. Your mouth is filled with bacteria that secrete acid when they consume sugar; if the acid eats through the enamel, the bacteria will gain access to the pulp, causing toothaches and other health issues.
Why is it So Important to Protect My Enamel?
The acids from bacteria and other foods can eat away at the outer layer of your teeth over time; it can also be worn down through grinding or abrasion. Unfortunately, unlike bones, enamel tissue doesn’t contain living cells, so it can’t repair itself when damaged.
Under normal circumstances, your saliva can help neutralize acids in the mouth and provides minerals that can help keep the enamel strong. However, if you consume acidic foods and drinks too often, this process won’t occur. The result will be cavities that can only be repaired by a dentist.
How Can I Protect My Enamel?
Fortunately, there are many ways to help preserve tooth enamel for as long as possible:
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks such as candy and certain kinds of juice. Also be wary of anything acidic, such as soda or citrus fruits; if you do consume them, remember to brush thoroughly afterwards.
- Conversely, plenty of foods can be beneficial for your enamel. Crunchy fruits and vegetables clean the teeth as you chew and encourage saliva production.
- Don’t bite down on anything too hard, such as ice. You should also avoid using your teeth to open bottle caps or other containers; use a tool designed for the job.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Fluoride toothpastes are particularly effective in strengthening enamel.
Be sure to continue seeing your dentist at least twice a year; tooth decay is easier to treat in its early stages, so those thorough examinations can be key. Above all, remember that your enamel is a precious limited resource; once it’s gone, it’s gone!
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Drs. Mario DeNicola, Monisha Khanna and Douglas Wright combine their skills to provide a variety of treatments for their patients. They offer numerous preventive dentistry options such as fluoride treatments, mouthguards, and dental sealants that can protect enamel. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (540) 432-6616.