page contents

Tooth Enamel Matters

The enamel on your teeth protects them and makes them gleam. Acids, illnesses, and bacteria can chip away at your enamel and damage your teeth. Here’s what you need to know about protecting and preserving your tooth enamel.

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Enamel is the outer layer of your tooth. It is a hard, smooth layer that protects your teeth against bacteria and decay. Tooth enamel is one of the hardest naturally occurring substances in your body. It’s even stronger than bone.

Despite this, your enamel can be worn away by normal activities like eating and drinking. Foods high in sugar are the primary culprits, but alcoholic drinks and acidic fruits can also cause harm. When enamel develops chips or breaks in its surface, it can’t protect your teeth from disease. You can’t rebuild the enamel on your teeth. Once you lose it, it is gone.

How Does Tooth Enamel Get Damaged?

There are two forms of damage that primarily affect your enamel: abrasion and erosion.

Abrasion results from friction on your teeth. It can be caused by:

  • Brushing your teeth too hard.

  • Force applied from your opposing teeth

  • Using a toothpaste that’s high in abrasive ingredients.

  • Erosion involves acids and chemicals that wear away the enamel. Several things can cause erosion.

Acids in the foods you eat: Sodas, citrus fruits, and beer are all high in acids that wear out the enamel.

Acids released by your stomach: Acid reflux or heartburn may cause you to regurgitate stomach acids.

Toxins from the plaque on your teeth: Plaque buildup allows bacteria to grow on your teeth and damage the enamel.

Acids released by frequent vomiting: Binge drinkers and people with bulimia frequently experience enamel erosion.

How To Know if Your Enamel Is Damaged

The signs of tooth enamel may not be immediately obvious. That’s why it’s important to get regular dental checkups, where your dentist can spot the signs of damage. Sometimes, you may experience:

  • Teeth that look yellow or unnaturally shiny.

  • Moderate to extreme sensitivity to hot or cold.

  • Rough edges on your teeth.

  • Indentations on the surface of your teeth.

How To Protect Your Enamel

Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride provides the best protection for your enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste that isn’t overly abrasive. Ask your dental hygienist for a recommendation.

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once a day. Use any type of floss you like. They all work equally well.

Use mouthwash: A fluoride mouthwash can enhance the level of protection you give your teeth. An antiseptic mouthwash helps kill the bacteria that damage your enamel. Using mouthwash makes brushing and flossing work better.

Get regular dental checkups: Your dentist can alert you to signs of enamel damage and suggest ways to prevent further damage.

Keep Your Enamel Strong

If you’re concerned about tooth enamel, contact Malan Family Dentistry. During cleaning and checkup, we can assess the condition of your teeth and prescribe the right treatments. Schedule an appointment with us today.