The human teeth are one of the most important parts of the body. When you bite down, your teeth breakdown and grate food for easier digestion. Tooth enamel is the highly mineralized and hard outer coating that forms around all teeth.
Importance of Tooth Enamel
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It has an excellent ability to withstand any form of force, including heat and cold. If a tooth is exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, it can cause chipping or cracking of enamel. Once the enamel is damaged, tooth decay and gum recession can occur. It's important to realize that the enamel layer is not permanent. It's a tissue that develops, changes, and erodes throughout our lifetime. With each passing year, there's a slight decrease in enamel.
Reasons for Wearing Away of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel wears away due to many factors, most often as a result of tooth decay or staining. One of the most common causes is tooth decay, which weakens enamel and causes chipping or cracking. It also happens when you drink acidic beverages like juice or soda pop. Tooth staining can also cause tooth enamel damage. Foods such as coffee, tea, and wine stain your teeth if they are not consumed properly. It may feel great to eat chocolate or coffee, but it can lead to tooth decay if you don't brush and floss regularly. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa provides dental care in the form of a comprehensive dental cleanings, sealants, and restorations to improve the appearance of your smile and restore the natural condition of your tooth enamel.
What Is Tooth Enamel Made From?
Enamel is composed mainly of calcium phosphate. These minerals are arranged in a specific pattern, so the teeth appear smooth. In higher-quality enamel, these mineral particles are layered with microscopic layers of proteins called enamel collagen. The spacing of these minerals makes up in such a manner that they are powerful yet also flexible simultaneously.
Variation of Tooth Enamel
The teeth have different layers of enamel depending on their location in your mouth. The enamel has an average thickness of 2-3 mm. Both the thickness and composition of tooth enamel vary depending on what type of tooth it is, its location, and its age. The enamel becomes less dense as we age, which is why older people have a higher risk of tooth decay.
How to Protect Your Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is fragile and sensitive to forces that cause damage, such as chewing gum, teeth grinding, or hot and cold food. Wear a mouth guard when participating in sports activities, such as badminton or tai chi. It protects your teeth from being chipped or cracked by impact and shocks. Proper brushing and flossing can also prevent tooth decay by removing plaque, a combination of bacteria, food debris, and particles that build up on the surface of teeth.
Consequences of Poor Tooth Enamel
There are many reasons why people need a dental exam, including teeth cavities, gum disease, tooth pain, or sensitivity. When the enamel is damaged by acidic beverages or tooth decay, the exposed dentine is prone to bacteria that multiply and cause gum recession. Gum recession can also be caused by grinding teeth without flossing and brushing correctly. The most dangerous reason for having enamel damage is when it affects other teeth. If one of your teeth shows signs of decay and it's not found by a professional, you may end up with tooth root abscesses that can lead to gum inflammation or periodontal disease.
Tooth enamel is the essential part of the teeth that makes them last longer. The enamel should be taken care of to protect it from any damage. An excellent way to do that is by practicing good dental habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Remember that tooth enamel is a tissue that develops with age, which means it will become less dense as we get older. Regular professional tooth cleaning at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa can help prevent tooth decay and tooth cavities by avoiding the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Contact us today to schedule a dental check-up!
