Have you ever wondered what tooth enamel is? If the answer is yes then here is some information on why it’s important.
Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth which covers the crown, part of the tooth that’s visible outside of the gums.
Did you know that this shell is the hardest tissue in the human body?
Because enamel is translucent, you can see light through it. But the main portion of the tooth, the dentin, is the part that’s responsible for your tooth colour, whether white, off white, grey, or yellowish.
Coffee, tea, cola, red wine, fruit juices, and cigarettes can stain the enamel on your teeth, which is one of the reason why teeth whitening has recently become a popular option .
Regular visits to your dentist for routine cleaning and polishing can help remove most surface stains and make sure your teeth stay healthy.
What does tooth enamel do?
Enamel helps protect your teeth from daily use such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Although enamel is a hard protector of teeth, it can chip and crack. Enamel also insulates the teeth from potentially painful temperatures and chemicals.
Unlike a broken bone or broken skin that can be repaired by the body, once a tooth chips or breaks, the damage is forever. Because enamel has no living cells, the body cannot repair chipped or cracked enamel.
Part of your daily routine should be looking after your teeth, think before you drink as most drinks contain more sugar than you are really aware of.
You can protect your enamel by avoiding foods that are known to cause a lot of damage. Sugary foods and acidic fruits and beverages are among the most damaging to your tooth enamel. When those substances stick to your teeth and interact with bacteria in your mouth, lactic acid is produced, which can damage your enamel. Avoid these foods when you can, and if you do consume them, remember to brush thoroughly afterward.
Very hard foods, like hard candy or ice cubes, can also damage your enamel by causing it to crack or chip, so these foods should also be avoided. If you do indulge in hard candy, suck on it but don’t bite down on it.
Try protecting your enamel by getting into daily oral hygiene habits, like regular brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and visiting your dental professional for regular professional cleanings at least once every 12 months or when recommended by your dentist.