Tooth Enamel: Erosion and Restoration

Do you know that your Tooth Enamel is the outer layer of your tooth that protects it?

Your teeth consist of different layers and the outer one is Enamel.

It is a substance that protects it against both physical and chemical damage.

Moreover, it is important to note that tooth enamel is very tough.

In fact, it is the hardest tissue of your body, even tougher than your bones.

Enamel is the first defense for your teeth against different chemicals.

Your teeth are exposed to these chemicals when you eat foods and from bodily fluids.

As a result, it can be prone to wear and tear and is Enamel Erosion.

Enamel erosion can cause different symptoms like stains and sensitivity.

However, it is important to know that you cannot regrow enamel.

But you can take certain steps to prevent erosion from getting worse with the help of dental treatment.

Keep on reading.

Tooth Enamel

Tooth Enamel is the hardest substance that your body produces.

This covers each one of your teeth and provides a tough outer layer.

The surface of your teeth is made of enamel, thus, giving them a distinct look.

Because of the structure and composition of enamel, it is the hardest one.

Research suggests that mineral hydroxyapatite is what makes up the enamel.

Moreover, it also has magnesium, sodium, fluoride, and carbonate.

The appearance of your female can vary and is because it is semi-translucent.

It can range from light yellow to grey-white and Arabic female dentists consider it normal

While it is a crucial part of your dental health, the enamel is only one of the few factors the determines the color of your teeth.

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Important of Tooth Enamel

Your tooth enamel is responsible for protecting the inner parts of your teeth.

These are:

• dentin
• pulp

Moreover, it is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay.

In cases, damage occurs to the enamel, you can develop cavities, temperature sensitivity, and even tooth infection.

It is important to note that tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues around the world.

Thus, protecting your enamel should be your priority.

With the help of a proper diet and dental routine, you can preserve it.

This is because your body cannot regrow enamel.

Now let’s discuss what causes tooth erosion and its symptoms.

Tooth Enamel Erosion: Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Enamel Erosion can vary and they depend on:

• increase in sensitivity to taste, textures, and temperatures
• discoloration
• cracks and chips on teeth
• indentions or cups on the surface of your teeth

Moreover, you may also have significant enamel erosion.

This is when you experience pain, high sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic, and spicy foods and drinks, and discoloration in your teeth.

With time, enamel erosion can lead to further complications.

These include:

Yellow, stained teeth, overly sensitive teeth, rough edges on your teeth, and shiny spots on your teeth.

Furthermore, an increase in tooth decay, the gradual wearing of enamel, that leads to clear, slightly translucent teeth, and fractured teeth are complications of extensive enamel erosion.

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Causes of Enamel Erosion

The acids found in the foods and drinks you consume are one of the main causes of erosion.

The saliva in your mouth constantly neutralizes acid in your mouth to protect your teeth.

However, when you eat too many acidic foods and drinks and do not brush your teeth, the outer layer of the enamel begins to degrade.

Moreover, it is important to note that enamel erosion is due to what you eat and drink.

This particularly includes:

Sugary foods like ice cream, syrups, and caramel.

Starchy foods like white bread.

Acidic foods like apples, citrus fruits, berries, and rhubarb.

Fruit drinks and juices.

Sodas contain damaging citric acid and phosphoric acid along with high sugar concentrations.

Excess vitamin C is found in citrus fruits.

Furthermore, some of the other causes of enamel erosion are:

• teeth grinding
• chronic acid reflux
• low salivary flow or Xerostomia which is a symptom of conditions like diabetes
• use of medications like antihistamines and aspirin
• eating disorders like bulimia. It can disrupt the digestive system and expose teeth to stomach acid
• gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD

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Can you Grow Tooth Enamel?

One of the important to understand is that you cannot regrow tooth enamel.

Why?

This is because the enamel does not contain any living cells and is unable to repair itself if it faces and physical or chemical changes.

Thus, it means it is not possible to repair the damage that occurs due to erosion and it will not grow back.

However, enamel erosion takes a long time to cause any permanent damage.

So if you have any initial signs and symptoms of the damage, you can prevent it.

These preventive measures can help to prevent severe damage and complications.

Enamel Erosion: Treatment Options

Your dentist can help in case you have a serve dental erosion.

The first option they will suggest is tooth bonding.

During this procedure, they will place a tooth-colored material or resin on the teeth that are damaged.

This resin can help to cover discolorations and protect your teeth from further damage.

You may also want to consider tooth bonding if it cases discoloration on the front teeth.

On the other hand, your dentist will suggest adding Veneers in Dubai or crowns in case of severe cases.

These two can help to prevent further decay.

However, the best way to treat enamel erosion is to prevent it in the first place.

You can also prevent it from worsening by looking after your oral and dental hygiene.

Now, let’s discuss how you can remineralize your teeth.

Teeth Remineralization

Chemicals like calcium and phosphate can help to make tooth enamel as well as bone and dentin.

As you age, the mineral on your teeth decreases and it is due to surgery and acidic foods.

In such a case, the bacteria in your mouth can cause damage to the tooth enamel.

However, you can take certain preventive measures by certain lifestyles changes and home remedies to help replenish these minerals.

This process is demineralization, and you can talk to your dentist about the treatment options to help with it.

Some of these are as follows:

Getting more Calcium and Vitamins

Your teeth have the ability to produce calcium naturally.

This mineral is often stripped by acids and bacteria over time.

For this, you can eat calcium-rich foods to replace the stripped calcium.

According to a study, eating foods that counteract the effects of eating sugar can help.

Therefore, if your diet is not sufficient in calcium, you should consult your doctor and take supplements.

Another study suggests that taking vitamin D supplements can also help to protect against cavities.

However, it is always important to consult your dentist or doctor before taking any supplements.

Thus, make sure you are getting the right vitamins.

Cut back Excessive Sugar

Often dentists advise refraining from using excessive sugar.

This is because sugar is high in acids and interacts with bacteria in your mouth, thus, breaking down the enamel.

A study suggests that taking excessive sugar can lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar you consume.

Simply, eating sugar on regular basis can do even more harm than eating it sometimes.

Different dentists often debate the uses of chewing gum.

However, some sugarless varieties can help to promote tooth remineralization.

Another study suggests that sugar-free gums can also help to remove sugar, plaque, and carbs from your teeth.

Moreover, they encourage your salivary glands to produce more saliva.

Brush your Teeth

To prevent bacteria from settling in the gaps between your teeth, it is important to brush your teeth.

Moreover, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day.

It is important to note that one of the main causes of the accumulation of bacteria is Streptococcus mutans bacteria in your mouth.

A study suggests that this bacteria accumulates in your mouth through foods and drinks.

Thus, brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes can help to remove bacteria that lead to mineral loss and cavities.

Furthermore, ADA, the American Dental Association suggests that using fluoride toothpaste can help to prevent tooth decay.

Additionally, it can also help to strengthen your teeth.

Therefore, make sure to use them so that your teeth are less suspectable to mineral loss.

How to Preserve Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel can erode from plaque, bacteria, excess sugar, and acids which often turn into a cavity.

Moreover, decay can also occur when the enamel wears down by acidic substances like drinks and foods.

Plaque can increase cavities by converting sugar into acids.

Saliva is important for your mouth and it protects it against acids and enzymes.

This helps to restore trace minerals, like sodium, phosphate, etc.

Thus, anything that allows you to produce more saliva which in turn benefits your teeth.

On the other hand, if anything that slows down its production will cause your teeth harm.

Certain foods and drinks help to fight against decay.

These are fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber.

Furthermore, sugar-free chewing gums can help to promote the production of saliva.

Black or green tea can also help to fight against plaque bacteria.

Additionally, dairy products can help to produce more saliva and tend to be high in calcium, and foods and drinks with fluoride help to strengthen your teeth.

To protect your enamel, you do not consume too much of the following:

• sticky candy and sweets
• foods that can easily stick between your teeth and gums
• alcoholic drinks can cause dry mouth and are high in sugar
• soda and sugary drinks

Some of the more easy tips are:

Drink lots of water, avoid smoking, and tobacco products.

Avoid chewing ice or other hard substances.

Make sure to visit your dentist twice a year, and brush your teeth for 2 minutes.

Moreover, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once a day.

Final Thoughts

Tooth Enamel is a unique part of your body and the hardest one. It is important for the health and appearance of your teeth.

You might think that taking care of your teeth is complicated, however, with the help of simple lifestyle changes can help to make sure that your enamel stays strong.