Tooth Enamel: The Hardest Substance in Your Body

Our bodies are amazing. Yes, we need to take care of them. However, they also come ready-made with natural defenses against harmful oral bacteria. Germs are the crux of dental health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, so your body is continually waging war against some of the most dangerous culprits that are squatting, rent-free, and trying to make a mess of your mouth. We make things harder for our natural abilities to fight bacteria when we feed them lots of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and don’t brush and floss, or visit the dentist often enough. Your tooth enamel is extremely important when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. Your Pella, IA family dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, will tell you more about this incredible part of your tooth anatomy.

About Tooth Enamel

After diamonds, enamel is the second hardest compound in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that tooth enamel is the number one strongest substance in your entire body. Consisting primarily of calcium and phosphate mineral crystals, tooth enamel is highly mineralized. This makes your teeth even stronger than your bones. However, just as bones can break with heavy force, so can teeth. Have you ever heard of someone with osteoporosis breaking bones easily? With teeth, lactic acid can cause the erosion of your precious tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitivity, weakness in teeth, and decay.

Keeping Teeth Healthy and Strong

Tooth enamel is clear and only covers and protects the crown (or top part) of teeth. Your dentin makes up the bulk of teeth and is responsible for their color. The roots of teeth are protected by something called cementum. This connective tissue is similar to bone, but not nearly as dense as tooth enamel. If your tooth enamel is weakened because of over-exposure to plaque and acid, supplemental minerals such as calcium and phosphate can strengthen your teeth. Neutralization of acids can help protect your enamel from damage. If your mouth is dry, you may have an issue producing ample saliva, which raises the mouth’s pH and assists in neutralizing acid. Seek the help of your Pella, IA family dentist if upping your hydration with water doesn’t seem to help this issue.

Dental Checkups from Pella, IA Family Dentist

Keep your tooth enamel healthy with proactive preventive dental efforst. If you are due for a dental checkup and cleaning, contact our 50219 dentist office at (641) 628-1121. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.