Why You Should Treasure Your Teeth's Enamel

Enamel is a hard, thin layer that shields your teeth from damage. According to Healthline, the enamel is actually the hardest substance in your entire body. Even though enamel is strong, it can wear away over time. It's important to protect your enamel so that it can protect your teeth.

It Protects Teeth from Acid

Your enamel functions as a shield for your teeth. Many foods can cause significant damage to teeth, causing them to deteriorate. Keeping your enamel safe will keep your teeth safe too. It'll be easier for you to maintain a healthy smile.

Enamel Gives You Bright White Teeth

In addition to protecting teeth from damage, enamel improves the appearance of your teeth. Enamel primarily consists of minerals that safeguard your teeth. When your enamel wears away, the dentin layer beneath it becomes visible, making teeth look yellow.

Even though enamel is strong, it can be damaged by many substances including sugary foods and foods high in acid, like citrus fruits. Sodas and other acidic beverages can also cause significant damage. You can protect your enamel and your teeth by limiting your intake of potentially harmful foods and brushing and flossing regularly.

Losing Enamel Makes Teeth More Sensitive

Without a protective enamel layer, your teeth will become more sensitive. You may experience pain or discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages. The dentin layer beneath your enamel is soft and fragile, and exposing that layer increases tooth sensitivity. It's harder to enjoy certain foods when you have sensitive teeth, so it's best to protect your enamel and take steps to keep it from eroding.

Enamel Can't Grow Back

While the body can heal itself from many injuries, tooth enamel can't grow back after it wears away. There are no living cells in enamel, and because of that, it can't grow back once it's gone. While enamel will naturally deteriorate over time, caring for your teeth can reduce the rate of enamel erosion, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of enamel for a longer period. Even though you can't regrow enamel, you can also repair some damage with the proper care.

Enamel erosion seriously threatens your dental health, so you should work to strengthen your enamel and keep your teeth safe. Brushing and flossing can remove food particles that cause damage to the enamel, and certain dental products can even make the enamel stronger. Contact us if you have concerns about enamel erosion.