How to restore your worn tooth enamel

Posted on: 2 April 2018

Your teeth have to last a lifetime, and they are vital to your ability to eat, as well as things like self-confidence and making a good first impression. This is why dental care is so important, specifically when it comes to tooth enamel.

What is enamel and why is it important?

Believe it or not, tooth enamel is the strongest material in the human body. This is the hard, outer layer of the teeth that everyone can see. The reason enamel is so important and so durable is because it works to protect teeth from decay, and it will also insulate your teeth from extreme temperatures and chemicals that can cause damage.

Drinking lots of sweet food and drinks and not brushing teeth can erode the enamel. The human body is a miraculous thing that can heal itself, but with tooth enamel the situation is a little bit more complicated. It is impossible for enamel to grow once it is gone, but it can be remineralised, which essentially means that the enamel you have there is strengthened and hardened.

So how exactly can you improve the enamel in your teeth?

Fluoride gel. You have probably heard of fluoride before because it is one of the most important components of dental hygiene products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes. This is because fluoride is the main ingredient that can help to strengthen your enamel. Of course, brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a great way of getting that fluoride on your teeth, but if you want to amp up your fluoride intake, fluoride gel can be a great option. It is a highly concentrated topical agent that can be applied with trays. Please consult your dentist before using it.

Tooth bonding. If tooth chipping is something that has affected you as a result of enamel loss, tooth bonding can be an effective strengthening and cosmetic procedure that covers the part of the tooth in a resin that hardens and protects the tooth from further damage.

Crowns or veneers. If the loss of your enamel is severe and you feel that it is impacting on your life in terms of extreme tooth sensitivity or an aesthetically unappealing set of teeth, you might want to consider crowns or veneers, which essentially involves placing an artificial casing of porcelain on top of your existing teeth for added protection. There are dentists who specialise in crowns and veneers, and you may want to consult with one to see if this could be a successful solution for you.

These are all effective ways of helping teeth affected by enamel loss, but the best solution is to take proactive measures to look after teeth, such as avoiding sugary foods, ensuring that you brush and floss at least twice a day, and arranging regular check-ups with your dentist.

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