Did you know that the hardest tissue in the human body can be found in the tooth? It is called the tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel is a thin tough shell that covers the visible part of a person’s tooth called a crown and is made up of calcium salts. It also has the highest concentration of mineral for any structure in our body. Tooth enamels also have proteins called amelogenins enamelins.
Because the tooth enamel is translucent, light can pass through it though tooth enamel is not responsible for your tooth’s color. It is the main part of the tooth called the dentin that is responsible for tooth color.
The tooth enamel plays a very important in the tooth. It protects our tooth from our mouth’s daily use such as biting, chewing, grinding, and crunching. The tooth enamel also protects our teeth from harmful chemicals and temperatures in the foods that we eat.
Because the food that we eat and drink like soda, coffee, tea, and even smoking can leave stains on the tooth enamel, regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and polishing can help reduce most of the stains to make sure our teeth remain healthy.
The tooth enamel can chip or break and unlike our bones, it cannot be repaired by our own body. Because our tooth enamel has no living cells, the damage done will be permanent unless fixed aesthetically by a dentist.
Also the tooth enamel can erode. This is called enamel erosion. Different factors can contribute in tooth enamel erosion, and some of them are:
• Dry mouth because of low flow of saliva
• Acid Reflux Disease
• Certain Medications
• Gastrointestinal problems
• High levels of citric acids and phosphoric acids from excessive drinking of sodas and fruit juices
• Diet that is high in starches and sugars
• Genetics
There are environmental factors that could also contribute to tooth enamel erosion. These are:
• Abfraction – This occurs from the stress applied to the teeth due to teeth bending and flexing
• Attrition – This occurs with our natural habit of tooth-to-tooth grinding. This can also happen involuntary while we are sleeping.
• Abrasion – This occurs when we bite on something hard like our nails and by chewing hard objects such as ice.
When the tooth enamel erodes, the tooth becomes more susceptible to dental problems like tooth decay and cavities. There are signs that the tooth enamel is beginning to erode. Such signs are:
• Cupping – There are indentions found on the teeth.
• Cracks and Chips – The edges of the teeth are jagged or has irregular shape.
• Sensitivity – Certain temperatures or type of foods can cause pain.
• Rounding – The teeth appear to be shiny and smooth.
Tooth enamel erosion can easily be prevented. Brushing daily, flossing, and changing of diet are the most essential things you can do to preserve the health of your tooth enamel. It is never too late to prevent further damage to your teeth and is never too early to start caring for your teeth. Remember that the tooth enamel can never grow back so don’t take it for granted as it plays a major role in our overall well being.
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