Throughout your lives, dentists have told you that you need to take care of your teeth and protect them from the development of plaque and cavities. But did you know that our teeth have their own natural protection? From your New Lenox dentists, we’re here to tell you that the tooth enamel is a type of tissue that coats the exposed parts of a tooth and it is one of the toughest substances in a person’s body. The strength of the enamel comes from the many minerals that the tooth contains. Tooth enamel is also semi-translucent, meaning the coloration of the tooth comes from the dentin which is underneath the enamel. It coats the top crown of the tooth and serves as the primary defense of our teeth against bacteria.
However, the tooth enamel is not exactly invincible. The types of food we eat can affect the strength of the enamel. Tooth cavities dissolve and destroy enamel by stripping the minerals that make it strong. One of the primary causes of tooth cavities is the consumption of sugary foods and acids. Our Illinois dental practice warns against sugar because it feeds bacteria, and as bacteria work hard to propagate, they release acids, thus destroying enamel.
Because of the importance of tooth enamel in the protection of teeth, you need to take steps to protect it as well. Fluoride is one of the best ways to do that. Fluoride helps restore the lost minerals of the enamel and reinforces it. There are many great sources for fluoride, including toothpaste. By regularly flossing and brushing, you will help keep away food debris and bacteria.
We hope this helps you to understand why we, the dentists at Atrium Family Dental, your New Lennox dental office, want you to take care of your teeth to the best of your abilities. Once tooth enamel is destroyed, that leaves your teeth exposed and vulnerable. Having said that, most toothpastes today have been formulated with fluoride. So remember to brush your teeth daily because that can greatly help maintain the enamel of your teeth. Contact us today if you’re looking for any more information!