Some patients assume that dental damage, such as chips, cracks, or cavities, might eventually mend itself, but that’s usually not the case. This is because enamel, though incredibly durable, doesn’t regenerate the way bones do.
That means it’s essential to take proper precautions to help prevent common oral issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and physical injuries. Continue reading to learn more about the structure of enamel to better understand why it lasts so long and how you can help safeguard your smile!
What is Tooth Enamel Made From?
You’re not alone if you’ve assumed that the protective outer layer of your teeth, also known as enamel, is essentially the same thing as bone. After all, they’re both ivory-colored and contain the same building blocks: calcium and phosphorus. When these two minerals combine, they form hard crystals called hydroxyapatite, which is the key ingredient that gives your teeth and bones their durable, rigid structure.
In fact, sources estimate that about 99% of the body’s calcium supply and about 85% of its total phosphorus are stored in teeth and bones.
Is Enamel Harder Than Bone?
Your teeth contain some of the same minerals as bone, but did you know that enamel is the hardest substance made by the human body? This is because your skeletal structure also contains nerves, blood vessels, and collagen, which is what allows bones to regrow or repair themselves.
On the other hand, your teeth are 90% mineral content and don’t contain regenerative materials, making them much denser, harder, and longer-lasting. This is why archeologists often find more teeth than bones at ancient sites. But this also means enamel can’t fix itself, so you must take preventive measures to avoid potential dental problems.
How Can I Help Protect My Teeth?
It’s natural to want to do everything you can to help strengthen your enamel and protect your smile. Thankfully, there are several ways you can avoid oral issues to preserve your smile, including:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that can cling to your teeth and gums and contribute to cavities, gum disease, and dental damage.
- Choosing foods carefully. Overly sugary foods attract unhealthy germs that produce enamel-eroding acids, so you may want to minimize your consumption. You can also incorporate more low-fat dairy, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, into your diet because these products contain plenty of smile-strengthening calcium.
- Scheduling routine dental appointments. Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a standard examination and cleaning helps them track your dental health and catch and treat areas of concern, like thinning enamel, before they progress. Many providers also offer topical fluoride treatments, which pull minerals from your saliva to reinforce your enamel.
If you’re worried about your dental condition or suspect you’ve developed tooth decay, your dentist can examine your condition and suggest appropriate treatments, such as topical fluoride or tooth-colored fillings, based on their findings.
About the Practice
Patients at Frandsen Dental of West Jordan benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping them build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. Our bilingual providers share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services, including standard preventive treatments, using advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results meant to last. If you’re worried about cavities or other issues, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (801) 890-0030.