Tooth enamel is the outermost covering of human teeth. This rigid shell is actually the hardest tissue in the entire human body. Enamel covers the outer part of the teeth known as dentin. Sometimes substances such as coffee, tea, cola, red wine, some juices and cigarettes cause staining and discoloration of this layer. Visiting the dentist regularly to clean and restore tooth enamel can help maintain health and return its natural color.
Enamel helps protect your teeth from everyday activities such as chewing, biting, grinding and abrasion. Although tooth enamel is a hard protection for tooth tissue, it can wear and crack. Enamel insulates and protects teeth from temperature changes and potentially painful chemicals.
When bones are broken or cracked, they can be easily repaired after a while and return to their previous state. Although enamel can be compared to bone in terms of hardness, this material cannot be repaired naturally after being damaged. The reason for this is that the enamel tissue is free of cells. And there is no repair action that can be done by the cells.
Tooth erosion occurs when acid or an acidic environment destroys tooth enamel. Tooth enamel erosion can be caused by:
Plaque is a sticky surface that consists of saliva, small food particles, bacteria and other substances that can stick to the surface of your teeth in any situation. Plaque forms between your teeth and can also form between tiny holes.
Sometimes the bacteria in dental plaque convert the starches in food into acid. When this happens, the acids in the plaque begin to eat away at and break down the healthy minerals in your tooth enamel. This causes this rigid tooth structure to wear down and become perforated. Over time, small dents and dents will appear on the surface of the enamel.
The signs of erosion of this part of the tooth can be different depending on the stage and intensity of erosion. Some symptoms may include:
When the enamel falls; the tooth is more sensitive to the appearance of cavity or decay on its surface. Caries will easily cause infection and bacteria to enter the interior of the tooth.
How to prevent tooth enamel loss?
To prevent enamel loss and keep teeth healthy, be sure to brush and floss daily with a mouthwash containing fluoride and antiseptic. For accurate and regular evaluation, you should visit a specialized dental clinic every six months. You can also follow the following tips:
Yes, this is possible. But you should note that while fluoride plays a very strong and useful role in preventing tooth decay, excessive use of this substance can cause problems such as tooth enamel fluorosis. This condition can occur in children and cause defects in their tooth enamel.
Most children with enamel fluorosis have a mild condition that is nothing to worry about. However, in some more severe cases, the teeth become discolored, perforated, and cleaning them will be difficult.
The treatment of erosion and loss of this part of the tooth depends on the type of problem. Sometimes tooth grafting and restoration are used to protect its tissue and increase its appearance. If the amount of erosion and loss of tooth enamel is significant, the dentist may recommend that you cover the tooth with a crown or dental veneer. A crown may protect the tooth from further decay.