Enamel is a hard mineral substance that forms a protective layer over teeth. Apart from protecting teeth the enamel also serves a cosmetic purpose. When it is clean it shines and looks white. When you brush your teeth, it is actually the enamel layer that you are brushing. Top maintenance keeps teeth healthy and protected besides giving you a beautiful smile. Contrarily, neglect and bad habits can lead to damages to the enamel. Beauty, in the case of teeth, is enamel deep and it is the duty of each person to take good care of the enamel, preferably visiting your friendly dentist Epping clinic for checkup and whitening if required.
How teeth enamel can be damaged
Enamel is the toughest substance in the human body but it is still vulnerable, especially if you ill-treat it. This can happen in several ways.
- You bite down on hard foods and that can chip away at the enamel. This leaves inner portions of the tooth exposed to bacterial infection.
- You are fond of eating foods that are too hot or too cold. Extremes of temperatures can adversely impact enamel.
- You consume acidic drinks (carbonated beverages are acidic!) and acids can eat away the enamel.
- You neglect teeth. Plaque forms first and then tartar forms, which is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria that can damage enamel and penetrate to the tooth pulp. Plaque and tartar form a layer that diminishes the clean shiny looks of enamel.
- You consume black coffee or wine or similar foods that can stain the enamel.
- Tobacco chewing also stains enamel and weakens the protective shell.
- Your teeth are not properly aligned or you have a bite problem or you clench and grind teeth in your sleep. All these can damage the protective enamel layer.
- Accidents and injuries can damage the enamel.
- You brush too aggressively and use abrasive toothpaste.
How do I know if enamel is damaged?
- Conduct a visual inspection. If you see discoloration and if your teeth are opaque and covered with tartar then you can assume that enamel is affected.
- When you eat or drink food that is hot or cold or spicy or sour and you feel pain then you can assume the enamel is damaged.
- Your teeth feel rough around the edges.
Is it possible to repair enamel?
Unfortunately there is no way the damaged enamel will grow back in place. At best you can take steps that will prevent further damage, such as proper cleaning at dentist Epping clinic. You can use fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen the enamel. It is found that consuming foods like curds can help make the enamel layer stronger.
The enamel is not just for good looks. It protects your teeth and if this first line of defence is breached then your teeth are open to bacterial invasion. Visit Rawson dental for thorough check and preventive steps to protect your enamel. Epping dentist offers preventive and cosmetic dentistry services at affordable rates and in a personalized way.
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