What is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of a tooth. It covers the crown of the tooth, which is the part you can see outside of the gums. Although it is the outer layer, enamel is see-through. Dentin is the hard tissue beneath the enamel and is what gives teeth their color.
What Does Tooth Enamel Do?
Enamel’s main job is to protect your teeth from damage. When you chew, you risk damage to your teeth because you have to grind your food. In most cases, your enamel is hard enough to prevent teeth from being damaged while you’re eating. In addition, the nerves in your teeth are sensitive to temperature, so hot or cold foods would cause pain. The enamel insulates the tooth so that you don’t feel discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
Can Tooth Enamel Be Ruined?
The short answer is yes. There are many causes for tooth enamel being worn down, some of which are caused by your everyday eating and drinking habits. Drinking too many soft drinks and fruit drinks and eating too much sugar and starches can break down the enamel over time depending on how frequently you consume them. Certain medications and genetics can also cause enamel to erode.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
One or more of these symptoms can be signs of tooth enamel erosion:
- Cracks and chips in the edges of teeth
- Dents or indentations on the surface of the teeth
- Sensitivity to temperatures and sweets
- Teeth appearing more yellow as dentin is exposed
Preventing Enamel Erosion
In addition to flossing, brushing and going to your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, here are some simple ways to keep enamel strong:
- Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks like carbonated sodas, citrus fruits and juices
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks
- Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks
- Don’t snack unless you’re able to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth
- Chew sugar-free gum between meals to boost saliva production
- Use fluoride toothpaste
