Did you know that biting into your food exerts up to 200 pounds of pressure on your back teeth? Luckily, your teeth’s outermost layer, enamel, is the strongest substance in the human body. In fact, its toughness comes second only to diamonds! And although it’s not indestructible, there are a few best practices you can implement to help preserve yours. With that being said, read on as a dentist in Richmond shares the latest in tooth enamel research, factors that determine how long yours will last, and prevention tactics to implement today!
The Latest Research on How Enamel Works
A recent study published in the Nature Communications journal sheds light on the secret to your enamel’s longevity. Using his polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC) mapping, Professor Gilbert was able to see just how the enamel rods (which are made up of hydroxyapatite crystals) align. After meticulously using this state-of-the-art technology to test the angles of the crystals and the subsequent cracks, the researchers discovered one important thing: your teeth can last a lifetime without being replaced because the cracks are deflected at the nanoscale, preventing them from spreading very far.
Factors That Determine How Long Your Enamel Will Last
Now that you know a bit more about the science behind the durability of enamel, you may have one important question on your mind: If enamel can last a lifetime, why doesn’t it? As mentioned above, there are a variety of factors that can damage it, including:
- Poor brushing patterns, like brushing too hard or neglecting to brush at all
- Bad oral habits, like using tobacco products
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic acid reflux
- Excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages
- Certain medications
4 Prevention Tactics to Implement Today
Since enamel is unable to grow back on its own, prevention is paramount. To keep your enamel (and teeth in general) in pristine condition, make sure to:
- Eat foods that help protect your enamel, like calcium-rich snacks and raw veggies
- Brush your teeth with the appropriate amount of pressure for two minutes twice a day
- Kick bad oral habits
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning
Enamel plays a crucial role in keeping your smile bright, protecting the inner layers of your teeth, and much more, so take care of it! If you do begin to experience sensitivity, notice discoloration, or see any other signs of enamel erosion, then contact your dental team right away!
About the Practice
At Brown, Reynolds, Snow, LeNior Dentistry, patients of all ages can find the personalized, top-notch, comprehensive dentistry they deserve. Not only are Dr. Stephen C. Brown, Dr. Elizabeth C. Reynolds, Dr. Bobby LeNior, Dr. Neil Snow, and Dr. Christopher Barta award-winning dental experts, but their dedication to patient-centered care allows our patients to achieve improved oral health, strong teeth, and beautiful smiles in a comfortable, relaxed environment. If it’s time for your biannual dental checkup and cleaning or you are concerned about the state of your enamel, don’t hesitate to visit our website to schedule an appointment.