Your teeth are amazing; they are made from some of the strongest materials on the planet. They arrive when you are young and yet, with care, they can last an entire lifetime!
In fact you might be surprised to learn that the snail’s teeth have been found to be the strongest material on earth!
Understanding Enamel
The enamel is the very outing coating of your teeth. It is a natural material and extremely tough. It serves one purpose; to protect your teeth. There is only a thin coating of enamel but it remains the toughest material in your body.
Enamel is actually translucent; this means you can see through it. Behind this is the dentin. This makes up the majority of your tooth and provides the color. It is possible for this color to be affected by the foods you eat.
In fact, some foods, such as coffee and red wine can actually stain your enamel. This is part of the reason that you should have regular dental cleaning; it will remove stains and help to protect your enamel.
The dentin is softer than the enamel; this is why the enamel is there to protect it. It can also help to reduce sensitivity.
Enamel Erosion
Unfortunately the enamel is subjected to a lot of different substances and chemicals. Acidic foods and drinks can slowly eat away at your enamel.
These foods include:
- High consumption of fruit juices or soft drinks
- Low saliva flow in your mouth
- Diet high in sugar and starch
- Acid reflux
- Some medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
The enamel can also be worn down through general wear and tear; as well as grinding your teeth and stress.
Other Causes Of Enamel Erosion
Anything that removes the enamel on your teeth is referred to as enamel erosion. This can include brushing your teeth too hard, not flossing properly, biting fingernail and bottle caps, or even grinding your teeth.
Plaque can also play a part on enamel erosion. Plaque will form in tiny cracks and where your teeth meet your gums. The plaque will not harm the enamel unless you eat a lot of starch based food. This is then converted into acid in your mouth, which eats away at your enamel.
Recognize The Signs Of Enamel Erosion
It is important to understand the signs of enamel erosion so that you know how to deal with it:
- Increased sensitivity in your teeth.
- Color changes, particularly becoming more yellow.
- The edge of the teeth becomes more cracked.
- Increase in sensitivity.
- Visible indents on the surface of your teeth.
Preventing Enamel Erosion
The most important thing you can do is to brush regularly. Follow this with flossing and using a mouthwash. A regular visit to the dentist will ensure any plaque build-up is removed and any problems are spotted early.
You should also monitor your diet and try to reduce the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume. Chewing sugar free gum can also help.
