The Shield Protecting Your Smile
Our teeth work hard every day, biting and chewing, while handling drinks both hot and cold. Most of us don’t think much about our teeth until one of them starts to hurt. Then we wonder just what happened to create this pain and sensitivity!
That problem usually lies in the outer layer of our teeth — the enamel. Enamel is a very important part of our teeth, shielding and protecting them, helping them stand up to years of chewing, crunching, and daily use. For such a thin outer shell, enamel plays a pretty amazing role in every smile.
The Importance of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel covers the outside of each tooth, protecting the layers beneath it: dentin, cementum, and pulp. The strong outer layer protects the more sensitive inner parts from chewing pressure, temperature changes, acids, and bacteria. Enamel also gives the teeth their white, bright, and glossy appearance.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, even harder than bone. Like most heroes, however, it does have a weakness. Since enamel does not contain living cells, it is repaired very slowly. Minerals available in the saliva can fill in minor damage to surface of the enamel, but major damage is hard to fix naturally. Therefore, an acidic diet, overactive bacteria, teeth grinding, hard brushing, and untreated dental issues weaken the enamel faster than it can remineralize.
Thinning enamel causes teeth to look yellow because the darker layer underneath starts showing through. It also increases sensitivity to cold drinks, hot foods, sweets, and cool air. In addition, it makes it easier for harmful bacteria and acids to penetrate to the inner tissues of your teeth, putting them at risk of cavities and infections. So, protecting our tooth enamel is essential!
Protect Your Tooth Enamel!
Good daily habits help protect our tooth enamel.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle pressure instead of scrubbing. (Hard brushing wears down enamel and irritates the gums.) Fluoride kills bacteria and promotes remineralization.
- Floss daily to remove food and plaque between teeth. Plaque protects the oral bacteria that create acid. This acid eats away at the enamel, leaving the tooth unprotected.
- Limit frequent snacking on candy, soda, sports drinks, citrus, and other acidic foods or drinks. After acidic foods or drinks, rinse with water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing right after acid exposure may wear the surface enamel.
- Regular preventive dental visits to your dentist in Roseville are a must! Professional cleanings remove buildup that daily brushing misses, and dental exams help your dentist assess the health of your enamel. Early detection of enamel wear or damage prevents pain before it starts!
Your dentist at Paramount Dental in Roseville can provide additional ways for you to protect your tooth enamel.
Enamel Warning Signs
Enamel thinning and damage start slowly and quietly, so it’s important to watch for changes such as:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Yellowing teeth
- Rough, sharp, or uneven tooth edges
- Small chips or cracks
- Shiny spots, dents, or worn areas
- Pain when biting or chewing
These warning signs deserve attention, especially when accompanied by discomfort. Early dental treatment keeps a minor enamel problem from turning into a dental emergency.
When Enamel Damage Needs Urgent Care
A tooth chip or crack may seem small at first, but exposed dentin often leads to strong sensitivity, root canal infections, or toothaches. A broken tooth, severe toothache, swelling, or pain while biting requires prompt dental care! Paramount Dental in Roseville is prepared to assist!
Paramount Dental provides full-service dental care, including preventive dentistry, restorative treatment, and emergency dentistry. If you notice enamel damage, tooth sensitivity, or sudden dental pain, contact Paramount Dental in Roseville. Protect your enamel and protect your smile!
