How to Know if Tooth Enamel is Damaged
We often forget how much our teeth matter to our overall health and quality of life. When you take good care of your oral health you can be confident in your smile, enjoy foods you love, and avoid painful issues within the gums or teeth. Sandcreek Dental is here to ensure you get that care.
One of the most important components of your teeth is its enamel. The enamel is a thin but extremely protective covering on the tooth’s outer surface. Damage to it can cause significant issues to your oral health. That is why it is so important to recognize and take care of any potential damage immediately. This blog will explore the importance of your enamel and signs to look for that may indicate damage.
Why Enamel is Important
Did you know that enamel is stronger than any other bone in your body? That must mean that what it’s protecting is extremely important to your oral health.
Enamel can provide you with these benefits if taken care of:
- Protects the nerves in the inner part of the tooth from being exposed and damaged
- Enhances the white coloring of the teeth
- Defends against tooth decay and other conditions
- Insulates the teeth and gums to provide comfort when eating or drinking
Signs of Enamel Damage
A few signs that your tooth enamel could be damaged include:
Decay
Acid or bacteria on the teeth create plaque buildup that weakens the enamel. When food or sugars sit on the teeth for too long without being cleaned, they can continually eat away at the enamel and eventually lead to tooth decay.
Hypersensitivity
Since enamel protects the nerves and more sensitive parts of the teeth, it’s a telling sign that the enamel is damaged when your teeth become hypersensitive. This will usually result in a short and sharp pain in the tooth. Pay attention to discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sugary.
Discoloration
Enamel provides teeth with a white color, but the coloring of the dentin, the layer underneath, is more yellow. When the enamel becomes weak or damaged, it exposes the dentin, making the teeth appear more yellow or gray.
Cracked or Misshapen Teeth
When you have good enamel, your teeth most likely won’t experience cracking because it’s so strong. However, when the enamel is weak, it cannot protect the teeth as much from cracking or chipping. When the enamel wears down, it can cause misshapen teeth, such as rounded edges or gaps.
How to Treat Damaged Enamel
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above, here are some ways that dentists can treat it.
- Provide dental sealing or bonding to restore some of the lost enamel
- Add a crown or filling for more protection and prevention against tooth decay
If you catch damage early on or are looking for ways to avoid potential damage, here are some simple things you can do at home:
- Drink water to minimize acid around the teeth and gums
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Limit sugary or acidic foods
Note: Tooth enamel cannot be regrown once diminished, but it can be strengthened through remineralization by following the tips above.
Sandcreek Dental Can Help
If you are experiencing tooth decay or cracking, sensitive teeth, or discoloration, Sandcreek Dental is committed to helping restore proper enamel into your teeth. We understand how much your smile impacts your life and we want to help. Contact us today to take back your oral health!
