Have you ever wondered how strong our teeth are? How do we withstand the things we eat and drink, and sometimes even the hard things we chew? The main reason for this is the amazing, strong protective coating around our teeth. In medical terms, we call this tooth enamel. It's like a suit of armor on our teeth. So today, let's talk about what this enamel is, why it's important to us, and what we can do to protect it.
So what is this tooth enamel?
Simply put, tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of each of your teeth. The white part of the tooth above the gum line (we call it the `crown`) that you see when you look in the mirror is completely covered by this enamel.
You might be surprised to hear this. Tooth enamel is the hardest, that is, the strongest substance in our entire body . Yes, it is stronger than the bones in your body.
However, no matter how strong it is, it can wear away over time. The buildup of plaque on your teeth, the acids in the foods you eat, and everyday use can all damage this enamel. The most important thing is that once it wears away, it can't be rebuilt. That's why we need to take good care of it.
What is enamel made of?
Tooth enamel is made up of 95% of the minerals calcium and phosphorus, which combine to form very strong crystals. The rest is made up of water (4%) and a small amount of protein (1%).
What is the main function of enamel?
The main and only function of enamel is to protect the teeth. More precisely, to protect the two sensitive layers inside the tooth: dentin and tooth pulp.
Imagine what would happen if this enamel layer were gone. Then the nerves inside the tooth would be exposed. If that happened,
- It is very easy to get cavities .
- Germs can get inside the tooth and cause infections .
- Even if you drink a hot tea or eat a piece of ice cream, your teeth start to go numb .
The color of the tooth is visible because of the enamel. The enamel is actually quite transparent (see-through). The color of the layer of dentin underneath it is what we see. It can be any color from gray-white to light yellow.
What are the reasons for enamel wear?
Tooth enamel erosion exposes the inner layers of the tooth to the environment. This increases the risk of tooth damage. There are several main reasons for this. Let's see what they are.
| Reason | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Foods high in sugar | When we eat sugar, bacteria in our mouths use that sugar to produce acids. These acids dissolve enamel. Toffee, chocolate, and sweetened drinks are the main culprits. |
| Acidic foods and drinks | Some fruit drinks (lime, orange) and carbonated drinks (soda) are naturally acidic. When these come into direct contact with the enamel, it wears away. |
| Dry Mouth | Saliva is a natural protector in our mouth. It washes away bacteria and acids. Dry mouth is very harmful to enamel. |
| Everyday use and friction | Over time, the enamel wears away as we chew food and clench our teeth. Bad habits like biting our nails and breaking biscuit packets with our teeth also contribute to this. |
| Genetics | Some people may be born with thin enamel. This condition is called enamel hypoplasia . |
| Stomach acid | If stomach acid comes up into the throat due to conditions like gastritis (GERD) , that acid can also damage the teeth. This risk is also higher in people with eating disorders like bulimia . |
| Teeth Grinding | Grinding your teeth while you sleep puts excessive pressure on your teeth. This can weaken the enamel and cause your teeth to crack or even break. |
The most important thing is that when the tooth enamel starts to wear away, the teeth start to turn yellow, become stained, and become numb. If you have these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Okay, so how do we protect this precious enamel?
Fortunately, there are many simple things we can do to keep our tooth enamel strong for life. Good oral hygiene habits are the best medicine for this.- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day: This removes plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush . Don't brush too hard, brush gently.
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens (remineralizes) enamel. Like calcium and phosphorus, fluoride is essential for the outer layer of teeth.
- Floss between your teeth daily: This helps remove food particles and bacteria that get stuck between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Limit foods high in sugar and acid: toffee, chocolate, starchy foods (don't keep things like bread and rice in your mouth), and sweetened drinks as much as possible.
- Use a straw: Using a straw when drinking acidic beverages like soda can help reduce the chance of the beverage hitting your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking water throughout the day washes away bacteria and food particles in your mouth.
- Chew sugar-free gum: This increases saliva production in the mouth. Saliva protects the enamel.
- Reduce stress on your teeth: If you grind your teeth in your sleep, see a doctor and get a mouth guard that fits. Try to stop biting your nails. Don't chew ice cubes.
- Get treatment for other medical conditions: If you have problems like dry mouth or gastritis (GERD), get them treated by a doctor.
- See a dentist regularly: To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is essential to have regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Can worn enamel be restored?
This is a question that many people ask. Enamel that has been completely worn away will not grow back. That is, it will not grow back.
However, there are ways to strengthen slightly damaged, weakened enamel. Dentists can remineralize and strengthen enamel with fluoride treatments.
If a tooth is severely damaged, the doctor may place a dental crown over the tooth to prevent further damage.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
In general, when used correctly and as directed by a doctor , teeth whitening products do not damage enamel. However, some products can dry out your teeth. If you are considering whitening your teeth, it is best to talk to your doctor about safe products.
In conclusion, tooth enamel is an amazing and strong part of our body. But it is not indestructible. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect it.
Take-Home Message
- Tooth enamel is the outermost protective covering of your teeth, the hardest in the body.
- No matter how strong it is, it can wear away due to sugar, acids, and bad habits.
- The most important thing: Once enamel wears away, it cannot be regenerated, so it is very important to protect what you have.
- The best protection is to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste daily and reduce sweet and acidic foods.
- If your teeth are numb, discolored, or have any other problems, talk to your doctor about it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න