In recent times, more and more people are catching up with the importance of tooth enamel and its contribution to ensuring excellent oral hygiene.
The tooth enamel is the first and strongest layer of the teeth. It serves as a sturdy shield for the teeth and protects the delicate layers of the teeth and gum against injuries, infections and potential risks. The enamel is the strongest substance in the human body and helps to fight against the invasion of tooth decay and cavities.
The enamel is translucent and covers the dentin directly, which is the next layer that gives the tooth its color.
As a vital component of the tooth setup, the enamel contributes immensely to ensuring oral health. The strength of the enamel is required to protect the teeth from breaking, cracking or fracturing. Anytime you bite, brush, chew or eat, you put your teeth at risk of injury. The tooth enamel bears the abuse and prevents the teeth from falling apart.
The enamel contains fluorapatite or hydroxyapatite crystals. The fluoride crystals are highly concentrated and help the enamel withstand plaque, damage, bacteria and acid. These crystals are potent enough to avert tooth decay and cavities.
The enamel has a smooth surface to ensure that food debris do not stick to the teeth, and that helps its self-cleansing abilities. When the enamel becomes rough due to breakage or demineralization, it becomes relatively less hardy against bacteria and plaque.
The enamel is also responsible for protecting the incisors from sensitivity to temperature alterations. The physical properties of the enamel are responsible for the teeth’s glossiness and nature.
Since the enamel serves as a shield for every other layer in the teeth, damage to the enamel means the teeth will be at risk of bacterial invasion, infections and breakage. Despite its resilience, the enamel is susceptible to cracking and chipping. As there are no living cells in its structure, the cracks cannot heal naturally if the enamel is damaged due to injury or breakage.
Protecting the enamel is as simple as abiding by basic dental hygiene rules. Ideally, you should avoid foods and drinks with high sugar and acid content. Sugary and acidic meals are the main contributors to enamel degradation. The substances stick on the teeth and join the bacteria in the mouth to produce acid that damages the enamel.
You should also brush and floss twice daily, not forgetting to book regular appointments with the dental hygienist or dentist.
Generally, protecting the tooth enamel should be your initial step at preventing oral conditions like a toothache, dental cavities, periodontal diseases, halitosis or gingivitis. It is clear that the enamel is essential for keeping the teeth healthy and sturdy, which means you should take your oral hygiene habits seriously. If you need help, contact the dentist for a checkup or evaluation.
Request an appointment here: http://drcaffeyearle.com or call Smiles By Design at (972) 528-5536 for an appointment in our Flower Mound office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Practicing preventive dentistry strategies can help you avoid serious dental problems. It can support your personal goals in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Prevention is always better than going through treatments for serious dental problems. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can avoid the development of a serious oral problem, here are…
Curious about when tooth extractions are needed? Read on to learn more. Tooth extraction is when the tooth is removed completely from its socket. Tooth extraction is hardly a procedure anyone looks forward to, but the majority of the procedures are fast and painless. So do not be alarmed if your dentist starts talking about…
The popularity of Invisalign® has grown as the treatment has proven to produce successful and positive results. Additionally, the treatment process is unlike any other. The actual process is a lot simpler than traditional approaches, and there are benefits that come with Invisalign® too. One more important part of Invisalign® treatment is the need to remain disciplined with wearing…
Many patients are nervous before a dental bonding procedure, although the procedure itself is non-invasive, only takes one dental visit and does not require any anesthesia. You can prepare yourself mentally and physically for the procedure, however, by knowing what to expect, how to prepare and what to plan for after the procedure. The following details…
Practicing preventive dentistry strategies can help you avoid serious dental problems. It can support your personal goals in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Prevention is always better than going through treatments for serious dental problems. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can avoid the development of a serious oral problem, here are…
Curious about when tooth extractions are needed? Read on to learn more. Tooth extraction is when the tooth is removed completely from its socket. Tooth extraction is hardly a procedure anyone looks forward to, but the majority of the procedures are fast and painless. So do not be alarmed if your dentist starts talking about…