By Elizabeth The hardest substance in the human body is enamel, which is the outermost layer of teeth. What happens if we break that protective layer? Is enamel restoration possible? What can we do to restore enamel that has cracked or been worn down?
These are just a few of the questions that we will answer in this article. We’ll also discuss what to do if the treatment we suggest is not possible. There are many dental clinics in Palatine that can put a crown on your tooth. This will turn your frown upside-down. Let’s begin by answering the most fundamental question.
What is Enamel? A Brief Tooth Anatomy Lesson
We have seen that enamel is the hardest material in our bodies. But that doesn’t mean we know what it is made of, or how to fix it. Let’s first address these obvious questions before we get into that.
Our teeth’s outer layer is made up of the same minerals as the rest of our tooth, namely calcium and phosphate. The only difference between these two layers is how they are constructed. Although enamel is non-porous and hard, the dentin beneath it is porous and easier to damage. This is why enamel covers the visible areas of our teeth.
Enamel is much thinner than dentin, which is why it’s so important to be aware of this fact. It’s transparent and colorless, so enamel is also less pigmented than dentin. This is what gives teeth their color. Certain foods can stain or even cause damage to enamel. Let’s now talk about enamel erosion and how to recognize it.
Enamel Erosion and Cracks
As the body produces less calcium, humans experience loss in bone density with age. Our teeth also undergo natural demineralization, which causes them to become more fragile with age. However, this process can be accelerated by certain foods or medical conditions, as we’ve seen.
Our enamel can take on a yellowish or brownish hue from coffee, tea, wine and fruit juices. Acidic beverages can also cause enamel to become yellowish or brownish. Acidic beverages can also cause enamel to erode over time by creating an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
The acids that can cause enamel deterioration don’t have to be from the outside. Acid reflux and bulimia, two of the most common medical conditions that can cause enamel erosion in the back of the teeth, can severely damage the enamel. Our teeth may be more susceptible to certain medications like antihistamines and aspirin. Anything that causes the mouth to dry out can lead to tooth erosion. Saliva helps us flush bacteria from our teeth and remove food leftovers.
No matter which factor triggered the demineralization process, there are certain things that our teeth can’t heal. Enamel repair is only possible when the teeth aren’t too damaged. If the tooth has cracked, there are no dental procedures that can repair it. Let’s now discuss the symptoms of enamel damage.
Enamel Damage Symptoms
It is harder to determine if enamel erosion has occurred than if we have a broken tooth. We won’t feel any severe pain if enamel restoration is possible. The nerve endings of the tooth’s inner core should not be exposed.
Teeth with worn enamel can be sensitive to heat and cold, as well sweet foods. Also, removing enamel can reveal different colored dentin. Enamel is transparent but gives teeth a sheen. Our teeth might appear duller if enamel has been removed.
Some people might feel the loss of enamel on their teeth. Enamel is non-porous, so it should feel smooth when you run your tongue over your teeth. We may feel rougher texture if the enamel layer has been compromised or porous dentin has begun to show through.
In advanced cases of enamel erosion, we might see molar Cupping. This is when the crown’s flat side develops imperfections. It is common to see visible dents on the teeth that appear like they have drilled small holes. Tooth grinding and acid erosion can cause cupping, but these two causes are often inseparable.
But that doesn’t answer all the questions. If our enamel has lost its mineral content, can we restore it to its original condition?
Can Enamel Recover? Enamel Repair Methods We Can Use At Home
Our teeth are not able to fuse back together like other bones in the body. We can remineralize the tooth’s surface layer.
Minor flaws in protective barriers can be repaired at home if the enamel hasn’t disappeared completely. You can strengthen your teeth by using remineralizing fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. These products strengthen and protect our teeth. They are also easy to access.
It is important to follow the other tips for dental care. It is important to brush your teeth twice daily, or after each meal, to prevent enamel erosion. A good brushing session should take no less than two minutes. To remove food residues between our teeth, flossing should be done daily.
Food is a key factor in enamel erosion prevention. Avoid sugary and acidic foods, including fruit! Also, starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, bread, and pasta should be cut down. Simple carbs can increase the intake of fermentable sugars.
Saliva can wash away sugars and bacteria. It’s vital to stay hydrated as we work on enamel restoration. Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva and flush out sugar, plaque, carbs, and other harmful substances from your teeth. Sipping water throughout the day is also a good option.
Certain vitamins may also help to maintain our enamel. Ask your doctor if supplements should be considered if your diet is lacking in calcium and vitamin D.
Professional Enamel Repair
We now know how to fix minor imperfections in enamel at home. Let’s look at what the pros do. This is a very popular way to solve this problem.
A dentist would simply cover the cracked or chipped areas of the tooth with thin resin. This new layer replaces the enamel. This procedure can also be used to aid those who don’t naturally have enamel.
A dentist might recommend veneers, crowns or tooth extraction if the condition is severe. However, even though the tooth is weakening, most dentists recommend that the original tooth be kept in the mouth. Crowns are an excellent solution. This article will explain how to install a crown.
It is best to avoid letting the situation escalate to enamel repairs. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for detecting enamel erosion early enough to prevent it from becoming worse. Between checkups, it is important to stay hydrated, eat well, and floss frequently.