If your teeth seem to stay yellow or develop cavities no matter what you do, you may have damaged enamel. Enamel is a part of our teeth that is essential to eating without pain. Unfortunately, our diet of sugary and acidic foods and drinks erodes our enamel a lot quicker than it should. Read more to learn all about what tooth enamel is and how you can protect yours.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Our teeth have a hard shell on the outside that protects the sensitive layers underneath where the nerves and blood vessels lie. That outside shell is known as enamel. It is the hardest substance in the body and contains no nerve endings. In fact, it has no “living” cells at all. Therefore, once it’s gone, it’s gone. It cannot be regenerated or regrown. That’s why it’s important to take care of what enamel you have while it still remains.
How Do I Know If My Enamel Is Damaged?
If you experience any of the following signs, see your dentist as your enamel may be damaged:
- Sensitivity. Sweets and hot and cold foods and beverages may cause a twinge of pain of your enamel is starting to thin.
- Cracks and chips. As enamel erodes, the edges are likely to become jagged or worn.
- Discoloration. The layer of the tooth underneath enamel, called dentin, is yellowish and can become more exposed as enamel is worn down.
- Cupping. Indentations start to appear on the surface of the teeth.
How Can I Protect My Enamel?
Fortunately, there are ways to preserve your remaining enamel, such as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day
- Visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup to see how your enamel is doing
You only get a certain amount of enamel in your life, so make sure to follow the steps listed above to make sure it lasts a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Wayne Barker is a graduate of the Ohio State University Dental School, earning his degree in 1986. He then joined the U.S. Navy Dental Corps and moved to Jacksonville, FL. After spending more time serving his country, and completing a residency training in prosthodontics, he settled back in Jacksonville and opened Jacksonville Complete Dentistry in 2002. Dr. Barker is currently a diplomate member of the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontics. He has also achieved a Fellowship from the American Board of Prosthodontists. To learn more about how to take care of your enamel, click here or call (904) 645-6457.