Interesting facts about tooth enamel
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Tooth enamel is a translucent outer layer, the strongest substance in the human body. It performs an important role - from protecting the teeth from temperature changes, daily loads while chewing food, and also keeps from the damaging effects of chemicals and acids.
Functions of tooth enamel
Tooth enamel covers not so hard part of the tooth - dentin, which in case of damage is exposed to external influences. As a result of such damage, a person feels pain from using cold, hot and sweet.
Why the enamel is destroyed
Many factors influence the tooth enamel: regular consumption of fruit juices and soda, insufficient oral hygiene , etc. As a result of such actions, bacteria that are very fond of eating sugar begin to reproduce very quickly, the acidity level rises and enamel destruction occurs.
Causes of destruction of tooth enamel
A frequent reason for the destruction of enamel is the consumption of sweets in large quantities, and the dry mouth also affects the health of the teeth , which is associated with insufficient salivation, as saliva rinses off food residues, preventing caries and neutralizing the effect of acids.
Heartburn
Such diseases as heartburn, alcoholism and bulimia provoke the destruction of tooth enamel because of getting into the oral cavity of stomach acid. Vomiting, which can occur against the background of these diseases, also jeopardizes your dental health.
Medicinal products
Some medications can adversely affect the condition of tooth enamel. For example, vitamin C or aspirin.
Erase the enamel
Night gnashing of teeth (bruxism) or intensive cleaning also does not benefit the enamel, destroying its integral structure.
[Signs of erosion of enamel
If you feel that with the use of hot or cold drinks, as well as sweets, there are unpleasant painful sensations, then this may indicate the erosion of tooth enamel. It looks as follows: the surface of the teeth can be deformed (cracks, sharp edges, shiny smooth areas), with thinning of the enamel layer, teeth can acquire a yellowish tint, and also cavities on the chewing surface of the teeth may appear.
How to avoid problems with your teeth?
Well, firstly, the basis of dental health is regular care and visits to the dentist. In addition, you need to limit the consumption of sweet sodas, juices and minimize foods with high acid content. To neutralize the acidity and restore the acid-base balance, you can finish the meal with a piece of cheese or a glass of milk, as well as chewing gum that triggers the production of saliva.