Tooth enamel, that is. Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface layer of your teeth that serves as the protection against tooth decay. Tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in the human body, even stronger than bone. However, everyday acids from certain foods and drinks put your enamel at risk every time you consume them. Plaque bacteria produces acids that can weaken and destroy it, and once the enamel is gone, it’s gone for good.
What’s in a Tooth? 
Have you ever wondered what’s in your teeth, exactly? Your teeth are composed of four dental tissues – enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp. Here’s a breakdown of the other tooth elements:
- Dentin – Dentin is the hard tissue located beneath the enamel and cementum. It contains microscopic tubes or canals. When dentin loses its the protection of enamel, the canals allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to infiltrate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing sensitivity.
- Cementum – Cementum is hard connective tissue covering the tooth roots, giving attachment to the periodontal ligament.
- Pulp – The center of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
Because enamel contains no living cells, it cannot repair damage from decay or from wear. Only your dentist in Ellijay, GA can correct these issues.
How to Protect Against Enamel Loss
Combined with making regular visits to see your dentist, basic daily oral care like brushing twice a day and flossing between teeth daily to remove plaque is the easiest way to protect your teeth’s enamel. Preventing irreversible enamel loss will help keep your smile healthy and beautiful, a small portion of keeping you healthy overall.
If you’re concerned about the loss of your teeth’s enamel, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Sugars End Dental so Dr. Coakley and Dr. Fowler can address your concerns and the dental procedures used to treat them.
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