All dentists will agree that one of the biggest reasons we brush is to keep our enamel out of harm’s way. That is, as free of bacteria, food and plaque as possible! And Los Algodones dentists are no exception to this.

You will find that our tooth enamel is actually pretty useful, and not only for eating. So we will be explaining a bit about it, and talk about what you should do to properly take care of it so you can keep a nice smile for years to come!

What is this tooth enamel?

The enamel is the outer part of our teeth. It consists of hydroxyapatite, which is a very hard crystallization. This mineral is the strongest material in our bodies, and needed to chop and chew on the food we eat! Also, since it has no living tissue, our body cannot exactly grow another, so it is important we take care of our teeth as much as we can.

The tooth enamel also serves for protecting the softer and vulnerable inside of our teeth. You see, a tooth can be divided  in to three layers: the enamel, the dentin and the pulp. The dentin is softer and porous than the enamel and surrounds the aforementioned pulp. The pulp of the tooth is very vulnerable to bacteria and is where the nerves are at. Through it is where we feel pain.

Tooth enamel can get damaged by bacteria

Bacteria is always present in our mouths, and it uses sugar and starch to fuel itself. By letting it go unattended, it builds up a sticky and colorless film called plaque that damages the cover of our teeth.

If we let plaque sit for too long inside our mouths, it eventually hardens into tartar. Once it solidifies then it can only be removed by a professional.

This makes it important to note that while enamel cannot regenerate itself, it undergoes a process of demineralization and remineralization:

Demineralization happens due the bacteria in our mouth forming plaque, which eats away this hard covering with time. Acidic, sugary and starchy foods make this happen much faster.

Luckily for us, the damage can be reversed if you act in time. It is through fluoride as well as our saliva that our tooth enamel recovers those lost minerals. That is why it is important to brush and keep yourself hydrated!

The importance of tooth enamel

This hard coating helps a whole lot in our daily lives! So if you haven’t tackled good oral habits yet, hopefully these will help you to reconsider:

Pros of having healthy enamel

• It aids in chewing and breaking food in tinier pieces. Although this one is kind of a no-brainer, it is important to note.
• Thanks to the tooth enamel is that we get a shield that could harm our nerves. This could be done by bacteria, germs, sharp foods, temperature, even sheer pressure!
• Talking and making sounds is thanks to our teeth as well. Without them, we would not be able to pronounce certain consonants. With the help of the teeth we are able to position our tongue in order to do the necessary sound.
• Plus, by taking good care of your teeth, it gives a lot to say to the people you meet!

Cons of a worn down enamel

• Tooth decay and cavities are way easier to get to your pulp.
• You will notice that tooth sensitivity becomes more of an issue.
• Teeth are way more likely to chip and break.
• Your teeth might look more to the yellow side. This is due the enamel getting thinner, so its transparency gives way to the dentin’s yellow color.
• Foul breath as it is very likely that you suffer from one or more dental problems.

Tips to keep your enamel healthy

Los Algodones dentists suggest that you include more fluoride in your daily life. Fluoride helps greatly in the remineralization of your teeth together with saliva. Taking that into account, here we offer you some tips to follow:

• Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each session is very important. Usually you will want to brush before and after sleeping, as that is the time bacteria is left unattended.
• Floss once a day. It is a matter of preference if you do it before or after brushing. It is important to floss as the toothbrush has difficulty reaching between the teeth.
• Drink water often. Not only does it help washing away food remnants and bacteria, but also if it is tap water then it has fluoride in it!
• Visit your dentist twice a year. They are able to keep track of how your mouth develops through time, while also giving you a thorough cleaning.