Teeth are tough.
In fact, the protective layer, tooth enamel, is the hardest tissue in the human body.1
Let’s learn more about enamel.
Teeth are tough.
In fact, the protective layer, tooth enamel, is the hardest tissue in the human body.1
Let’s learn more about enamel.
Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of a tooth. It covers the crown of the tooth, which is the part you can see outside of the gums.
Although it is the outer layer, enamel is see-through. Dentin, the hard tissue beneath the enamel, is what gives teeth their color.2
Enamel’s main job is to protect your teeth from damage. When you chew, you risk damage to your teeth because you have to grind your food. In most cases, your enamel is hard enough to prevent teeth from being damaged while you’re eating. In addition, the nerves in your teeth are sensitive to temperature, so hot or cold foods would cause pain. The enamel insulates the tooth so that you don’t feel discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold.3
Over time, the enamel wears away. This is called tooth enamel erosion. As enamel erodes, the tooth can become painful and more susceptible to
Tooth enamel erosion can be caused by many things:5
One or more of these symptoms can be signs of tooth enamel erosion:6
In addition to flossing, brushing and going to your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, here are some simple ways to keep enamel strong:7
Since tooth enamel contains no living cells, it can’t repair damage on its own.8 One treatment option is tooth bonding: a procedure where a composite material is molded onto stained or damaged teeth. Once the composite has hardened, it can be polished to a natural-looking finish.9
For more severe cases, your dentist may add a
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