Tooth enamel - the hard protective layer of teeth & how to maintain it
Tooth enamel is the hard protective layer of the teeth. It protects against tooth decay and sensitivity, but cannot regenerate. Fluoride and gentle dental care strengthen it in the long term.
Things worth knowing about "Tooth enamel"
Tooth enamel is the outermost, hardest layer of the tooth and consists of around 96% minerals, mainly hydroxyapatite, a crystalline form of calcium phosphate.
Enamel covers the crown of the tooth like a protective armour and protects the underlying dentine and the sensitive dental pulp from mechanical, thermal and chemical stimuli. Tooth enamel is not regenerable as it contains no living cells - once worn away, it cannot renew itself. Daily stresses such as brushing teeth with too much pressure, acidic foods, soft drinks, reflux, teeth grinding or aggressive bleaching procedures can lead to enamel degradation (demineralisation). The first signs are white spots, temperature sensitivity, rough tooth surfaces or visible discolouration. If enamel degradation remains untreated, it can lead to exposed dentin, caries and pain sensitivity. Erosion caused by stomach acid, e.g. in the case of eating disorders or reflux, are also common causes of enamel loss.
To protect the enamel, we recommend gentle tooth care with fluoride toothpaste, a tooth-healthy diet with little acid and sugar, as well as avoiding constant snacking or brushing your teeth too soon after eating. Fluorides strengthen the enamel through remineralisation and make it more resistant to acid attacks. Enamel-strengthening dental care products with hydroxyapatite or amine fluorides can also be used. Regular dental check-ups help to recognise the first signs early on and take countermeasures
.Important characteristics of tooth enamel:
- Hardest substance in the human body
- Consists of hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate)
- Protects against caries, temperature stimuli and mechanical abrasion
- Once lost, not regenerable
- protection through fluoride, remineralising care, tooth-friendly
Literature references
- Lussi, A. et al. (2011). ""Dental erosion - from diagnosis to therapy."" Monographs in Oral Science.
- Buzalaf, M. A. R. et al. (2012). ""Mechanisms of action of fluoride for caries control."" Monographs in Oral Science.
- Schlueter, N. & Ganss, C. (2015). ""Subjective and objective methods for dental erosion monitoring."" Caries Research.
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