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Interesting facts about tooth enamel
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Tooth enamel is a translucent outer layer, the strongest substance in the human body. It plays an important role - it protects teeth from temperature changes, daily stress when chewing food, and also protects from the destructive effects of chemicals and acids.
Functions of tooth enamel
Tooth enamel covers the not so hard part of the tooth – dentin, which is susceptible to external influences in case of damage. As a result of such damage, a person feels pain when eating cold, hot and sweet foods.
Why does enamel deteriorate?
Many factors affect tooth enamel: regular consumption of fruit juices and soda, poor oral hygiene, etc. As a result of such actions, bacteria that love to eat sugar begin to multiply very quickly, the acidity level increases and enamel is destroyed.
Causes of tooth enamel destruction
A common cause of enamel destruction is the consumption of sweets in large quantities; dry mouth, which is associated with insufficient salivation, also affects dental health, since saliva washes away food debris, preventing caries and neutralizing the effects of acids.
Heartburn
Diseases such as heartburn, alcoholism and bulimia provoke the destruction of tooth enamel due to the entry of gastric acid into the oral cavity. Vomiting, which can occur against the background of these diseases, also endangers dental health.
Medicines
Some medications can have a negative effect on the condition of tooth enamel. For example, vitamin C or aspirin.
Enamel wear
Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or intensive brushing are also not good for the enamel, destroying its integral structure.
[ Signs of enamel erosion
If you feel that when drinking hot or cold drinks, as well as sweets, there are unpleasant painful sensations, then this may indicate erosion of tooth enamel. It looks like this: the surface of the teeth may be deformed (cracks, sharp edges, shiny smooth areas), when the enamel layer thins, the teeth may acquire a yellowish tint, and cavities may also appear on the chewing surface of the teeth.
How to avoid dental problems?
Well, first of all, the basis of dental health is regular care and visiting the dentist. In addition, you need to limit the consumption of sweet sodas, juices and minimize foods with a high acid content. To neutralize acidity and restore the acid-base balance, you can finish your meal with a piece of cheese or a glass of milk, as well as chewing gum, which provokes the production of saliva.