Tooth Enamel Explained: What It Is And How To Protect It From Decay
November 27, 2023 - Being confident about your smile is one of the things that helps you feel good both inside and out.
A person’s smile is what draws other people to him therefore it is highly important for each individual to take great care of their teeth.
If you are looking for an easy way to maintain your pearly whites, you should remember that brushing your teeth regularly is not enough.
This post will show you everything that you need to know about taking care of your teeth especially that certain part called the tooth enamel.
What is tooth enamel and what does it do?
Tooth enamel is the semi-translucent thin outer covering of the tooth.
It is known as the hardest and the most highly mineralized tissue in the human body.
In fact, it is even harder than the human bone.
It covers the outer layer of each tooth and is the most visible part of the tooth.
The main purpose of the enamel is to prevent tooth decay and to protect your teeth from daily use such as chewing, biting, grinding and crunching.
This is why it is of utmost importance to know how to take care of it properly.
What causes tooth enamel erosion?
When you chew your food you are also putting your teeth at risk because you expose it to certain acids and substances that are harmful to your teeth.
Foods that contain starch or have very high sugar content are the most damaging to your teeth and they pose as a threat to the enamel.
The following are some of the factors that causes tooth enamel erosion:
Drinking too much soda or soft drinks is harmful because soda contains high levels of phosphoric and citric acids.
Excessive drinking of fruit juices is also harmful because they contain acids that are even more erosive than battery acid.
Having improper nutrition that results in a diet involving high sugar and starches.
Taking of medications such as aspirin and antihistamines.
Environmental factors such as stress, wear and tear, friction and corrosion.
Poor eating habits that lead to bulimia. Binge eating and vomiting is a source of acid that causes severe erosion to the enamel as well as cavities.
How can you prevent tooth enamel erosion?
Once your enamel is destroyed the body cannot make anymore to replace it. This is one of those few parts of the body that does not contain any living cell therefore it cannot regenerate.
How do you make sure that you are taking good care of your teeth? First, you will need to change your eating habits. Drinking soda, fruit juices and eating sugary foods are fine as long as you do not do it in excess.
Second, make sure that you observe proper oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing of your teeth and regular flossing help keep your teeth enamel strong.
Having a great smile is not at all that difficult to achieve.
You just have to take care of the enamel, which is the part of your tooth that protects it from tooth decay.
Engaging in healthy eating habits, getting regular dental exams, and proper oral hygiene are two ways in which you can ensure that you will always have that dazzling, pearly white smile.
