Do you know what enamel is and why it's important? Enamel is critical to your dental health - which means it's important to your overall health too! Access Dental and Dentures is here for you and we are ready to help you learn how to take care of and protect your teeth. Keep reading to learn all about enamel and what you can do to keep it healthy!
What is enamel?
Enamel is the protective layer on the outside of your teeth. It is very hard and clear. The color of your teeth actually comes from a different layer under the enamel, called dentin. Because enamel is clear, so it can be hard for someone without dental training to tell if there is any damage or early decay. That is one of the reasons it is important to regularly visit your local dentist, so they can catch problems early before cavities start.
How does enamel protect teeth?
The layer of your tooth underneath the enamel is made up of a more sensitive material called dentin. When dentin gets exposed to open air and bacteria, it can cause tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, and even more serious conditions. Enamel protects this more sensitive inner layer from damage and decay, so it's important to keep it healthy.
What damages enamel?
Even though enamel is the hardest material in the human body, certain things can start to erode the enamel as they sit on your teeth. The biggest problem can often be acidic items like carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and coffee. Other huge issues can be sugary substances and starchy foods, both of which stick to teeth easily and can cause damage if not brushed, flossed, and rinsed away. Bacteria from plaque buildup can also cause erosion of the enamel.
Once enamel is gone, can it heal?
While many parts of our bodies can heal, tooth enamel is not one of those things. Enamel isn't made up of living cells, so it can't replicate and heal spots that have been cracked, worn down, or damaged. In short, no. Once enamel is gone, it is permanent. This is why it is important to help keep your enamel strong by regularly taking care of your teeth and using toothpastes and mouth washes that deposit strengthening minerals to the surface of your teeth.
What Can I Do?
Help take care of your enamel by following these tips...
- Limit the amount of sugar and starch in your diet
- Avoid overly acidic foods and drinks
- Brush your teeth or use mouthwash or water to rinse away damaging foods and drinks
- Use oral health products that strengthen your teeth
- Regularly visit your dentist to check your enamel and remove damaging plaque!
Best Dentist in Missouri
Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in southern Missouri and we are here to help you protect your enamel and prevent damage from permanently affecting your teeth. Whether you just need a checkup and your annual cleanings or you need special attention for a dental issue, we are here for you! Give us a call or check out our website to learn about the services we offer to help improve your dental health. 1-877-DENTIST
We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!
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