Our Comprehensive Guide To Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the human body, but it’s also non-renewable. Unlike other parts of the body, enamel doesn’t contain living cells, so it can’t regenerate.

Enamel is the protective layer covering the teeth, shielding the tooth crown, which is visible above the gums. The enamel protects the tooth from cavities and damage; however, it is prone to wear and tear, which is why regular check-ups and cleanings at a dentist are important.

In our comprehensive guide, we’ll explain tooth enamel, answer questions like ‘Can tooth enamel be replaced?’, and discuss how to strengthen tooth enamel. Enamel plays an integral role in oral health and overall well-being.

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Teeth are composed of four dental tissues, three of which are hard: enamel, dentin, and cementum. The last is pulp, which is the tissue at the centre of a tooth that contains all the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

Enamel is hard calcified tissue covering the dentin in the tooth’s crown. The crown is the area of a tooth visible above the gums. Enamel itself consists of 95% minerals, calcium and phosphorus, 4% water, and 1% protein. Enamel is semi-translucent, with dentin varying from greyish-white to light yellow. Together, enamel and dentin are the contributing factors that determine the colour of the teeth. While enamel is an incredibly strong tissue, it doesn’t contain living cells like other tissues in the human body. This means it can’t repair damage from decay or wear, and only a professional like a dentist can treat it.

Enamel formation on someone’s teeth begins in infancy during childhood and continues to around age 7 or 8, except for wisdom teeth, which develop and form enamel later. Special cells called ameloblasts are responsible for producing enamel. However, by the time a tooth erupts from the gums, the ameloblasts producing the enamel are dead. This means that when the enamel formation process ends, it ends for good.

What Causes Tooth Enamel To Weaken?

While the enamel on your teeth is very tough, it isn’t invincible. It can weaken over time for a variety of reasons, and this process is typically referred to as ‘enamel erosion’ or ‘dental erosion.’

Dental or tooth erosion is a common problem and can occur at any age. Symptoms of enamel and tooth erosion can vary and often include:

• Increased sensitivity to taste, textures or temperature
• Cracks or chips
• Discolouration
• Indentations known as cups on the surface of the teeth

Signs of significant enamel erosion include pain and increased sensitivity to cold, hot, acidic, and spicy food and drinks. Over time, erosion can also lead to tooth decay, fractured teeth, rough edges, and stains.

The main cause of enamel erosion is acids found in foods and liquids. While the saliva in your mouth, which naturally forms, is supposed to neutralise any acid in your mouth to protect your teeth, consuming too much acidic food or drink and not properly brushing your teeth can lead to the degradation of the enamel.

Outside of consuming sugary and acidic food and drink, there are other causes of enamel erosion. These include:

• Teeth grinding
• Chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Low salivary flow can cause enamel erosion and is typically a symptom of conditions like diabetes
• Regular use of certain medications, like antihistamines and aspirin
• Eating disorders, such as bulimia, can disrupt the digestive system and expose teeth to stomach acid
• Genetic disorders can also impact tooth development and enamel formation

If you’re worried about the condition of your teeth or experiencing enamel erosion symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment with your dentist. They can check your oral health and recommend treatment if required.

How To Strengthen Tooth Enamel

While tooth enamel cannot be regenerated, it can be strengthened and restored through dental procedures. Below are a few habits you can add to your daily routine to maintain enamel health.

• Swap to non-acidic foods. Certain foods are good for enamel, including many fruits and vegetables, food and drinks containing fluoride, and dairy products like milk. Fluoride helps protect teeth enamel by making it more resistant to acid attacks.
• Consider non-sugar alternatives. Like acid, sugar will wear down acid over time. So, professionals recommend moving to non-sugar alternatives for high-sugar food and drinks.
• Fluoride toothpaste. If you want to maximise the protection of your enamel, shop for a fluoride toothpaste solution. It helps protect the teeth by making them more resistant to acid attacks. Topical fluoride is also a common treatment for early-stage enamel erosion. While it doesn’t reverse tooth erosion, it does help strengthen the enamel that is left.
• Remember to drink water. Hydration is important for many functions in your body, including oral health. Increasing water intake promotes saliva production, which neutralises acids and washes away food particles. It keeps oral tissues hydrated, maintains pH balance, and prevents dry mouth.
• Supplements. If you aren’t getting enough calcium from your diet, we recommend discussing supplement options with a professional. Adding supplements to your recommended daily allowance can assist with oral health.
• Using a soft toothbrush. Research suggests that using a soft toothbrush is optimal when brushing teeth. It’s also important to wait an hour and a half after consuming acidic drinks or food before brushing your teeth.

Other dental solutions, including bonding, veneers, crowns, and fillings, are available for more advanced tooth erosion.

Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding is a dental procedure that can be cosmetic, but it also has its uses in cases where enamel has been eroded. The process consists of dentists applying composite resin to the tooth’s surface. This resin hardens and leaves a natural protective layer, similar to the enamel. It also acts as a protective layer to the enamel on a tooth, preventing further erosion.

Veneers & Dental Crows

Similar to dental bonding, veneers and dental crowns are both procedures that can be used for cosmetic and protective purposes. These procedures add a protective shell that covers your teeth and can protect against further enamel erosion as they protect the natural enamel.

Dental fillings

If the tooth erosion has caused a cavity in a tooth, dental filling treatment is available. Various materials can be used to fill the cavity, the most common being composite resin.

Book A Comprehensive Check-Up And Clean At Admire Dentistry

The best way to keep your tooth enamel and overall oral health in top condition is through staying on top of regular check-ups and cleaning. At Admire Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental services—contact us today to book an appointment.

At Admire Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental services, including tooth decay and dental erosion treatments, such as restorative fillings. Our team understands the importance of oral health and how it impacts daily life. If you have any questions or you’re concerned about your enamel health, feel free to reach out to our team with your queries.