The Importance Of Tooth Enamel

Your body consists of amazing, intricate parts. Many of these components are readily visible. Therefore, they are given a great deal of attention. However, parts that lie inside the mouth, such as your tooth enamel, may not receive the attention that they are due. 

Here is a bit of information about tooth enamel and why it is important to keep it healthy.

Tooth Enamel's Function 

Your teeth may look like tiny bones and even consist of many of the same minerals as bones. However, structurally, teeth and bones differ significantly. One of the main differences is the presence of enamel. Teeth are covered with enamel, but bones are not.

Your teeth are made up of multiple layers. The innermost layer is the soft tissue that is called the pulp. The next layer is the dentin, and the outermost layer is your tooth enamel. 

Tooth enamel is relatively brittle, but it is extremely hard. The white, translucent material covers the natural crown of a tooth and helps to protect it from environmental damage. 

Healthy tooth enamel helps block the transfer of cold and heat to the dental nerves. Additionally, it prevents oral acids and bacteria from entering a tooth. As a result, the tooth enamel limits the oral pain that you experience.

When Tooth Enamel Is Compromised 

Your tooth enamel can be compromised, reducing its ability to keep you free of pain. The tooth enamel is usually breached by tooth decay. 

Tooth decay is the demineralization of the enamel that occurs when your teeth are exposed to oral acids for significant periods. As the acids dissolve the minerals that make up the enamel. cavities or holes develop. 

The breach in the enamel can cause painful sensitivity as the dental nerves in the tubules of the dentin are accessed. In some instances, oral bacteria may invade the tooth and infect the dental pulp. 

Protecting Your Tooth Enamel

To keep your tooth enamel healthy, there are actions that you should take. Here are a few of them.

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to remineralize the tooth enamel to reduce and reverse the effects of decay.
• Eat less sugar. Sugar is the primary food source of oral bacteria, and each time the microbes feed on the simple carbohydrate, they release acid. 
• Floss. Flossing helps remove bacteria-containing plaque and bits of food from between your teeth, where your toothbrush may be unable to reach.

For more ways to protect your tooth enamel, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.

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