Tooth enamel, which covers and protects the soft inner parts of the tooth, is the visible layer at the outermost part of the teeth. Tooth enamel has a translucent feature. It is one of the hardest substances in the human body. Tooth enamel contains a high level of minerals in its content. Adana Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic Dentrum explained the frequently asked questions about tooth enamel for you.
What Is Tooth Enamel Loss or Tooth Enamel Erosion?
Tooth enamel, the hardest layer of the tooth, can erode over time due to environmental factors. This erosion experienced in tooth enamel causes sensitivity in the teeth. If the necessary care and treatments are not applied, the erosion in tooth enamel can cause tooth losses or serious tooth damage.
Factors That Cause Tooth Enamel Erosion
- Incorrect tooth brushing habit
- Nail biting habit
- The use of abrasive toothpastes that promise quick whiteness
- Teeth grinding and clenching habit (Bruxism)
- Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods
How Do We Understand That There Is a Problem in the Tooth Enamel? What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Erosion?
- Yellowing of the teeth
- A rough appearance on the tooth surface
- Sensitivity developing in the teeth against hot and cold
- The tooth surface gaining a matte appearance
- A jagged appearance forming at the tooth tips
- Collapse experienced at the junction points of the teeth
- Bleeding occurring between the teeth
What Is Fluoride, What Does It Do?
Fluoride is an extremely necessary substance that has an important role in the formation of our teeth and bones. The fluoride substance found in toothpastes contributes to the strengthening of tooth enamel.
- It ensures the cleaning of dental plaque
- It contributes to the formation and strengthening of bone tissue
- It prevents tooth decay
- It ensures the nutrition and healing of the tooth bone
- It destroys the bacteria in the mouth.
The Effect of Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that live in our mouth but are beneficial for our oral health. Oral probiotics secrete antimicrobial substances. These antimicrobial substances fight the harmful substances that lead to plaque formation in the mouth and prevent tooth decay. Studies show that probiotics also largely prevent the formation of intraoral cancers.
What Is Acid Erosion?
The digestion of the foods we consume begins in the mouth. From this first moment when digestion begins, foods leave acid residues behind them. Acid residues lead to dissolution in the structure of tooth enamel, and this situation brings tooth decay with it. As long as the acidic environment continues and proper care is not done, the erosion in tooth enamel will continue its effect. To keep the erosion in tooth enamel at a minimum level as much as possible, we need to keep the acid level in our saliva low. The easiest thing we can do for this is to rinse our mouth after eating or drinking something. Even better, brushing our teeth after every meal… Pre-existing decayed teeth increase the amount of acid in the mouth. For this reason, decayed teeth should be treated without delay.
Toothbrush Selection
Most people do not show the necessary care when choosing a toothbrush. However, toothbrush selection is of great importance for our oral and dental health. Using the wrong toothbrush can damage the tooth enamel and gums over time.
What Should We Pay Attention to When Choosing a Toothbrush?
Bristle Type
We can talk about three different bristle types: soft, medium, and hard. If your gums are sensitive and bleed quickly, you should prefer soft-bristled toothbrushes. If you consume coffee and cigarettes, your mouth is prone to plaque formation. In these cases, medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes will be a better choice for you. When using medium and hard-bristled brushes, paying attention not to brush too hard is important so that your gums, tooth enamel, and tooth roots are not damaged.
Toothbrush Size
Very large and very small brushes should be avoided. Very large brushes have difficulty reaching the depths of the mouth. With very small brushes, the teeth may not be cleaned sufficiently, or you may have to spend more time brushing your teeth. For this reason, you should prefer toothbrushes of optimal size, suitable for your mouth and easy to maneuver.
Toothpaste Selection
When choosing toothpaste, we look at many criteria such as color, content, brand, smell, and taste. Toothpastes with enamel-protective, anti-decay, anti-plaque, and anti-tartar features in their formula are preferable. When choosing toothpaste, we should pay attention to:
- Not containing sugary sweeteners in its content
- Containing fluoride
- Being suitable for your dental structure
- Not containing drying additives similar to sorbitol in its content.
Which Foods Damage Tooth Enamel?
- Sugar
- Dried Fruit
- Lemon
- Chips
- Sugary Drinks
- Chocolate
- Alcoholic Beverages
Foods That Strengthen Tooth Enamel
- Milk
- Celery
- Strawberry
- Apple
- Fish
Does Tooth Enamel Renew Itself?
Tooth enamel is not a structure that can renew or repair itself. The erosion occurring in tooth enamel is an irreversible health problem. Treatment for tooth enamel aims to prevent new cell losses. For this reason, the moment you notice erosion, you should consult a dentist and begin preventive treatment applications.
