Another reason to take better care of your teeth

When you lose the enamel from your teeth, it’s gone for good. It doesn’t grow back or repair itself, and there’s nothing you can do to repair the damage. This is a major problem because the enamel on your teeth protects the soft inner surfaces from bacteria or damage. And without the enamel, your teeth are literally just big open nerves, waiting to hurt. That’s why you need to make a stop at the best dentist in Sydney if you’re having problems with this protective coating.

What is Enamel?

Enamel is the thin outer coating on the outside of your teeth and it’s the strongest substance in the human body. It needs to be this strong because it protects your teeth during your everyday activities like chewing, biting and grinding. It also protects your teeth from hot and cold temperatures and from the chemicals in your food. But this doesn’t mean that enamel is indestructible because it can chip or crack. And when it does, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get the problem fixed before it spreads. Here are some common signs of enamel damage:

Sensitivity to heat, cold or to sugars.

Teeth discolouration.
Indentations on the surface of the teeth.
Cracks and chips in the teeth.
Severe pain because the nerve in the centre of the tooth is exposed.

Enamel is translucent, and the colour of your teeth is the dentin showing through. The dentin is the tissue and nerve at the centre of the tooth. Certain substances like wine and coffee can temporarily stain the enamel, but these stains are usually easy to remove. You just need to visit your dentist for a good clean and polish to have your smile looking good as new again.

Why Enamel Damage is Permanent

Enamel doesn’t contain any living cells, which is why it can’t regenerate or regrow after it’s damaged. Here are some common causes of enamel damage:

High sugar drinks like soft drinks or fruit drinks.

Dry mouth.
A diet that’s high in sugar.
Genetics.
Certain medications such as aspirin.
Behavioural factors such as teeth grinding.
Accidents and injuries.
Dental plaque, which can turn the sugars in foods into acids which wear away the enamel.

This means, that if you want to keep your teeth healthy, you need to avoid high sugar foods. You should also see your dentist regularly for a check-up and clean so they can let you know if there are any signs of problems with your enamel.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist can’t encourage new enamel to grow, but there’s a lot they can do to minimise the effects of this problem if you see them early. If you have enamel loss, tooth bonding can help to protect the tooth and to improve its appearance. And if the damage is severe, you may need a crown or veneer to cover the tooth. This will protect the nerve against exposure, taking away any pain or sensitivity you feel. It will also protect the tooth against further enamel loss.

So if you’re concerned about your oral health, make an appointment with us here at Paramount Dental Sydney. Our caring and expert staff can help you find a solution that works for you.