Have your teeth been looking a little yellow lately? Do you experience a twinge of pain when you eat something hot, cold, or sweet? If so, your may have problems with your tooth enamel. It may be slightly eroded. But what exactly is tooth enamel? And why is it important? How can you keep it from hurting even more? Let’s look at the answers to these questions.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is the outer covering of the tooth. It is the hardest tissue in the human body, even stronger than bone. The layer of the tooth underneath the enamel, called the dentin, is responsible for the color of the tooth, whether it’s white, off-white, yellow, or gray. Enamel is partly translucent, so you can sort of see the dentin through it. Because enamel is not made of living cells, it cannot be regrown by the body. That means that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
Why Is Tooth Enamel Important?
Enamel protects the tooth from daily wear and tear caused by biting, chewing, and grinding. It also shields the dentin underneath. If enamel erodes, microscopic tubules inside the dentin become exposed. These tubules lead to the nerves inside the tooth. When they are exposed, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Additionally, if enamel is worn away, decay can more easily reach the inside of the tooth and cause severe pain and infection.
What Are the Signs of Enamel Erosion?
When your enamel erodes away, your risk for cavities increases. Some symptoms of enamel erosion might include:
- Sensitivity: Hot and cold foods and beverages, as well as those high in sugar, may cause a twinge of pain.
- Discoloration: As the enamel wears away and reveals more of the underlying dentin, the teeth appear more yellow.
- Cracking and chipping: The edges of your teeth may become more jagged and rough as enamel wears down.
How Can I Protect My Tooth Enamel?
Because enamel cannot grow back, it’s important to protect what you still have. Here are some ways to prevent your enamel from eroding:
- If you drink acidic drinks like soda, use a straw. It pushes the liquid to the back of your mouth, avoiding damage to your teeth.
- Limit highly acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits and juices. If you do consume them, rinse out your mouth with water immediately afterwards.
- Chewing sugar-free gum helps increase saliva flow, which strengthens teeth.
- Avoid snacking throughout the day if you can’t rinse your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards. Your mouth is more acidic after eating foods high in sugar and starches.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
- Ask your dentist about sealants to prevent tooth decay.
Now that you know how important tooth enamel is, you see why you have to protect it. When in doubt, ask your dentist to tell you how your enamel looks and how to keep it healthy in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at New York University. During his education, he mastered a variety of advanced dental procedures, including dental implants. He believes that treatment for his patients in Mesquite, TX should be minimally invasive and that the natural tooth should be preserved as long as possible. To learn about how he can help protect your enamel, click here or call (469)-399-7288.