Enamel is the hard, outer layer of the teeth. It protects the sensitive dentin underneath. Strong, healthy enamel is important for preventing cavities and other dental issues. However, certain factors can damage enamel over time and lead to tooth decay. Understanding what ruins enamel can help you take steps to strengthen and preserve it.
What is enamel?
Enamel is the visible white outer portion of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel is made up of minerals like calcium and phosphate that help make it dense and durable. The inner portion of the tooth below the enamel is called dentin. Dentin is softer and contains nerve endings.
Enamel protects the sensitive dentin and pulp (nerves and blood vessels) inside each tooth. It acts as a barrier to prevent external substances from entering the tooth. Enamel also enables teeth to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing food.
Why is enamel so important?
Enamel is important for:
– Preventing cavities. The hardness of enamel makes it difficult for bacteria to penetrate and reach the dentin. This helps prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming.
– Protecting teeth. Enamel forms a protective layer that shields the inner tooth from damage. Its mineral composition and hardness allow it to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
– Maintaining tooth appearance. Enamel gives teeth their whitish color. It also enables teeth to maintain their original shape and structure.
– Allowing sensations. Enamel protects the dentin while still allowing sensations of temperature and pressure to pass through to the inner nerves.
Can enamel be restored?
Enamel cannot naturally regenerate or regrow like other tissues in the body. Once enamel is lost due to decay, damage, or wear and tear, it cannot be restored. However, steps can be taken to preserve existing enamel and prevent further loss. These include:
– Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
– Getting dental sealants
– Practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing
– Getting professional teeth cleanings
– Monitoring diets to limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages
In cases of enamel loss, dentists may recommend treatments like dental bonding, enamel reshaping, dental veneers, or crowns to help protect damaged areas.
What damages enamel?
While enamel is very durable, it is still vulnerable to damage over time from various sources. Common causes of enamel erosion and loss include:
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and beverages can weaken and slowly dissolve enamel through a process called erosion. Examples include:
– Citrus fruits and juices – lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges
– Vinegars
– Carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks
– Wine and alcohol
– Pickled foods
Frequent exposure to acidic foods/drinks allows acids to break down enamel. This causes increased surface roughness and gradual thinning of the enamel layer.
GERD and acid reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to rise up and contact teeth. Over time, the acid can irreversibly damage enamel. The teeth most at risk are those closest to the opening of the esophagus, such as the back molars.
Grinding and clenching teeth
Grinding or clenching the teeth, also called bruxism, puts excessive force on teeth. This can chip and crack the enamel. It also wears down the biting surfaces of teeth over time.
Improper brushing
Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can eventually lead to enamel abrasion. Brushing side-to-side or back-and-forth vigorously wears down enamel. Light, circular brushing motions are gentler on enamel.
Tooth decay and cavities
Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and produce acids that demineralize and dissolve enamel. If left untreated, cavities spread deeper into the tooth layers and destroy enamel.
Trauma and injury
Injuries that chip, crack, or fracture teeth can damage the enamel. Sports injuries, fights, falls, and car accidents frequently cause enamel cracks and fractures.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Habitual teeth grinding or clenching due to stress puts significant pressure on teeth. This can wear down enamel as well as fracture and crack it. The excessive forces exerted on teeth contribute to loosening and damage over time.
Bulimia and acid reflux
Frequent vomiting from bulimia or acid reflux exposes teeth to stomach acid. The acid gradually dissolves the enamel on the backs of teeth.
Ice chewing
Chewing hard foods like ice or hard candies can crack and fracture enamel. The very cold temperature of ice can make enamel more brittle and prone to chipping.
Cause | How It Damages Enamel |
---|---|
Acidic foods and drinks | Erodes and dissolves enamel through acidity |
GERD/acid reflux | Stomach acid contacts and wears down enamel |
Tooth grinding/jaw clenching | Excessive forces chip, crack, and wear down enamel |
Improper brushing | Aggressive back-and-forth motions erode enamel |
Tooth decay/cavities | Bacteria produce acids that demineralize enamel |
Trauma/injuries | Fractures and cracks from impacts damage enamel |
Bulimia/acid reflux | Frequent vomiting exposes enamel to stomach acid |
Chewing ice | Hard, cold ice can fracture and chip enamel |
Protecting your enamel
While some enamel loss is inevitable over time, there are things you can do to strengthen and preserve it:
Limit acidic food and drinks
When you do consume something acidic, avoid swishing it around your teeth. Drink acidic drinks quickly through a straw instead of sipping slowly. Rinse your mouth with plain water after eating/drinking something acidic.
Use fluoride products
Fluoride strengthens enamel by promoting remineralization. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash daily. Get fluoride treatments from your dentist.
Brush properly
Use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently in circular motions. Take care not to scrub aggressively.
Avoid teeth grinding
If you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist about a mouth guard to wear at night. The guard protects your teeth from the forces of grinding and clenching.
Wear a mouthguard for sports
Mouthguards protect your teeth from trauma and injuries. Wear one any time you play contact sports or do activities with a risk of face/mouth impacts.
Get prompt treatment for cavities
Small cavities only affect the enamel outer layer at first. Get them treated quickly before they spread deeper into the tooth layers.
Don’t chew ice or hard candies
The hardness of ice and candies makes teeth prone to cracks and fractures. Consider giving up these habits to protect your enamel.
See your dentist regularly
Your dentist can monitor for early signs of enamel loss and recommend treatments to help prevent more damage. Professional cleanings also help protect enamel.
Restoring damaged enamel
If enamel loss has already occurred, talk to your dentist about these treatment options to repair the damage:
Dental bonding
Bonding applies a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth surface. It can repair chips and fractures in enamel.
Enamel shaping
Your dentist can reshape areas of eroded enamel using a tool called an enamel hatchet or enameloplasty bur.
Dental veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite covers bonded to the front of teeth. They can cover cracked, worn, or misshapen enamel.
Dental crowns
Crowns encompass the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are used when extensive enamel loss has occurred.
Tooth-colored fillings
Composite resin fillings can fill cavities in enamel and blend in seamlessly. This preserves the look of the tooth.
The takeaway
Enamel protects your teeth from decay and damage. But certain factors like acidic foods, grinding, and poor hygiene habits can still ruin and erode enamel over time. Be proactive about preserving your enamel by limiting these harmful behaviors and seeing your dentist regularly. Implement healthy habits like proper brushing, fluoride use, and wearing mouthguards. If enamel loss has occurred, solutions like dental bonding, veneers, and crowns can help restore your smile. With the right prevention and treatment, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy.