Thanks to health professionals and dentists alike, there is more awareness about your teeth and how they actually work to protect you. When you do a bit of research, you’ll learn that there are layers that make up your teeth, the outermost being your protective layer of tooth enamel.
Learn more about this critical part of your smile from your local dentist in Mount Pleasant in this week’s blog post!
Understanding Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the substance that protects each of your teeth, acting as a protective shell between stimuli and the inner layers of your teeth. It is an extraordinarily hard substance—the hardest your body produces—that is specifically designed to protect the teeth from damage. The enamel is a shield that protects the vulnerable area on the side of the teeth that would be in pain and could be susceptible to infection from outer substances.
It is difficult to see enamel because it is translucent, which means that the light that normally would reflect simply passes through it. The main portion of the tooth, known as the dentin, is actually the part responsible for a person’s tooth color. So, when your teeth are stained, it’s because the dentin has changed shades.
What Makes Tooth Enamel Important?
Protecting a person’s enamel is one of the main focuses your dentist will stay attentive to. Every time a person puts something into their mouth, bites or chews, there is a risk of damaging the teeth if your tooth enamel doesn’t stand strong against it. It is only the strength of the enamel that stops the teeth from breaking apart.
Despite being an extraordinarily hard surface, enamel can easily sustain damage. Once the enamel becomes damaged, it allows for tooth decay or other dental concerns to lead to additional damage to the other layers of your teeth. Plus, tooth enamel works to protect the sensitive inside of your teeth from hot and cold substances that would normally cause you dental pain. That’s why when enamel wears away, you’ll experience twinging in your teeth known as tooth sensitivity.
How Can You Protect Your Tooth Enamel?
One of the best ways that you can work to protect your tooth enamel is to partner with your local dentist for effective preventive care. That’s why your dentist recommends visiting their office at least every 6 months for checkups, cleanings, and planning your preventive care at home.
To learn more about tooth enamel, its importance and how to best protect it, give us a call and schedule an appointment today to see a dentist.
About Our Office
Dr. Virginia L. Gregory wants to protect your smile for years to come. The best way our dental practice can do that is by offering effective, comprehensive dental services to treat any and all of your dental concerns. If you have an issue or even suspect wear and tear of your enamel, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!