Dental Enamel: Protecting Teeth and The Body

How Important Is Tooth Enamel?

It’s easy to overlook the importance of your teeth’s enamel. Enamel safeguards your teeth from decay and prevents damage to the inner layers. It also protects from the eroding effects of plaque and acids. In addition, enamel can shield sensitive teeth from discomfort associated with consuming very hot or cold beverages and food.

What Is Dental Enamel?

Dental enamel is the hardest material found in your body. It’s comprised of many minerals, but the primary one is hydroxyapatite, which gives enamel its strength.

Unfortunately, once enamel disappears, there’s no way to restore it. Enamel doesn’t have the characteristics of living cells, which means that it can’t regenerate or repair itself. However, there are ways to treat areas of eroded enamel. Your dentist can advise you on which treatment is best for you.

When considering enamel’s protective properties, remember that it not only shields the mouth but preserves your overall health. When enamel erodes or otherwise disappears, cavities are likely to form. When cavities develop, your risk of infection increases, both in the mouth and the rest of the body.

Enamel and Your Diet

While you can’t replace damaged enamel, you can strengthen damaged enamel by eating a healthy diet that includes minerals and nutrients. Protein-rich foods, dark leafy vegetables, and dairy products will help because these foods all contain the nutrients that strengthen enamel.

Avoid or limit your consumption of sodas and high-fructose or high-sugar fruit juices. Water is a much better alternative. Also, try to avoid hard candy and other foods that are difficult to break with your teeth.

Toothpaste and Enamel Protection

Choosing enamel-hardening toothpaste with fluoride is a helpful preventative measure. If you’re not sure which toothpaste or mouthwash to use, your dentist can make a recommendation. These products are good to use before enamel begins to erode.

Regular Oral Health Care and Dental Cleaning in Cincinnati

Brushing and flossing regularly is almost a no-brainer. These habits, along with a regular check-up and dental cleaning in Cincinnati can go far in safeguarding your tooth enamel. Contact Beckham Square Family Dental in Blue Ash, Ohio, today to talk to a member of our and to schedule your next appointment!