General dentistry can answer all your questions about tooth enamel. There are many misconceptions about what tooth enamel is and what it does. You may not realize how important this part of the tooth is. Understanding how your tooth enamel works is key to preserving healthy teeth for life. Here are some facts and common myths about tooth enamel and ways you can take care of this essential part of your teeth.
Tooth enamel is mostly made up of calcium phosphate. It is the most mineralized part of the body. Enamel forms a translucent thin shell over the inner part of the tooth where the dentin and the nerve are. The color of tooth enamel can range from greyish to yellowish-white naturally. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, even harder than the bones. Although tooth enamel is harder than anything else in the human body, it is not indestructible.
The thickness of tooth enamel can vary from one tooth to another and also from one person to another. However, it is still a thin shell on each tooth, so forceful impacts and excessive wear can damage the enamel. Teeth grinding is also very damaging to tooth enamel. When enamel chips, dentists can shape and contour it but will only do so if there is enough enamel to protect the inner part of the tooth. Enamel is not living tissue, so it cannot grow back. It is possible to remineralize tooth enamel.
Although enamel cannot grow like other tissue in the body, some things can strengthen it. Saliva can protect enamel by washing over the teeth, helping to sweep away debris and food. It contains calcium, which helps to maintain the hardness of enamel. Acidic foods can damage enamel, but saliva can neutralize acidity. Eating calcium-rich foods can help maintain good tooth enamel. Crisp foods like celery, apples, and carrots are also beneficial to enamel health.
In addition to eating calcium-rich and crispy, healthy foods, there are other ways people can protect tooth enamel. General dentistry recommends that people brush and floss at least twice daily. Brushing and flossing regularly helps to remove plaque, which will damage tooth enamel and eventually cause cavities. Dentists are a great partner in protecting tooth enamel. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can persist below the gumline and turn into tartar. General dentistry can perform deep cleaning in the office to remove the plaque and tartar buildup.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: General Dentist in Port Charlotte, FL
Tooth enamel is not the whole tooth; it is a thin outer shell protecting the softer dentin and the nerve. This means that keeping your tooth enamel intact is key to preventing tooth decay and maintaining healthy teeth for life. You can support healthy tooth enamel by practicing good oral hygiene habits and eating healthy foods that do not contain too much sugar or acids. General dentistry can help you prevent harmful buildup that could damage your tooth enamel over time.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Maintaining dental health can give you a beautiful smile, but did you know that regular general dentistry visits can make them stronger as well? Over time, acidic or sugary foods can wear down the enamel on your teeth and weaken them, increasing the odds of breakage, cavities, and chips. If you have concerns about the…
Dental X-rays are tools used in general dentistry to help patients and providers get a better understanding of the health of the teeth and mouth. These are considered both diagnostic and preventative resources, and patients experience little discomfort for the procedure. There are a variety of dental X-ray options, as each has a different purpose…
There are many benefits to maintaining good oral health, such as reducing your risk of developing general dentistry issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral health also lowers your risk of other illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, you can take the initiative to maintain and improve your oral health.There…