Enamel is the thin outer layer of material that covers the portion of your teeth outside of the gums. Poor diet habits, an unhealthy oral care routine, and other factors can weaken and damage your enamel. Once damaged, your tooth enamel cannot be repaired. However, weakened enamel can be repaired.
The Importance of Tooth Enamel
Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body and covers your entire tooth outside of your gums. Below the enamel is dentin, which is an insulator that protects your teeth from painful temperatures and substances that can harm your teeth. Damaging your enamel puts extra pressure on the dentin in your mouth and can lead to tooth decay and damage. Ensuring your enamel stays strong is essential for your overall oral health. Harmful bacteria, leftover food particles, and sugar all lead to your enamel wearing away.
Maintaining and Strengthening Enamel
Oral Care Routine: Without a doubt, this is the most important step you can take to ensure your enamel stays strong. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice each day for at least two minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride. In addition to brushing, you should floss at least once a day and use mouthwash with fluoride. It is vital to attend your regular dental visits every six months. You may need to go more often, depending on your unique needs and your dentist’s recommendations.
Diet
Certain foods can cause severe damage to your enamel that can lead to tooth decay. Candy, cookies, crackers, bread, soda, and many other processed foods become acidic and combine with harmful bacteria to cause damage. If you have highly acidic food or drinks, it is recommended to rinse your mouth immediately with water and wait at least sixty minutes to brush. This is because the acidity can soften your enamel, and brushing can further damage the tooth due to the friction caused by the toothbrush and paste.
In addition to staying away from certain foods, you can effectively remineralize your teeth to restore their natural strength. Chewing sugarless gum, drinking more water, and taking probiotics can all help. Aging can lead to the loss of minerals in your teeth. However, you can restore them with lifestyle and dietary changes.
Treatment Options for Damaged Enamel
While you cannot restore damaged enamel, you still have a few options. Several restorative treatment options can prevent more damage and ensure your teeth look great. Below are some of the most common restorative treatment options for those with damaged enamel or tooth decay.
- Crowns: These cover the teeth to restore their shape, strength, and appearance. Ceramic crowns look similar to your natural tooth and are durable and long-lasting.
- Bonding: Tooth-colored composite resin is attached to the damaged portions of the tooth.
- Fillings: A filling can repair a damaged tooth and ensure that the life of your tooth is preserved much longer than without it.
Dentists in Chino Hills, California
Ensuring your tooth enamel stays strong is one of the most important parts of keeping your mouth healthy as it is your tooth’s first and strongest layer of defense. Protecting your enamel is beneficial for your long-term oral health. And, now you know if tooth enamel can be repaired. Be proactive and maintain consistency for the best results. However, if you are struggling with tooth decay, sensitivity, or any other dental care issue, contact the dentists at Dental Care of Chino Hills. The dentists provide patients with complete treatment plans to help with any dental issues. They use restorative and cosmetic dentistry based on whatever your dental needs are. Contact our office today for an appointment!