Your tooth enamel plays a part in helping to keep your teeth healthy, which is why protecting it from damage is important. In this article, we'll explore enamel toothpaste and how it can help strengthen tooth enamel and repair tooth enamel. We'll also look at the functions of tooth enamel, what can harm it and some home remedies to build up tooth enamel naturally.
What is tooth enamel?
Before we go into the specifics of enamel toothpaste, it’s important to answer the question “what is tooth enamel?” Tooth enamel is the hard, outermost layer of your teeth. It's the white, protective covering that shields your teeth from daily wear and tear, such as chewing, biting and grinding. In fact, it's the hardest substance in the human body.
Functions of tooth enamel
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is tooth enamel”, let’s look at the tooth enamel function and how it helps to maintain your oral health:
Protection: enamel acts as a protective shield, guarding your teeth against bacteria, acids and plaque that can lead to cavities and decay.
Sensitivity reduction: tooth enamel can help to reduce tooth sensitivity as it covers your dentine – the inner layer of your teeth.
Chewing and biting: enamel's hardness allows you to chew and bite into various foods without damaging your teeth.
Aesthetics: the whiteness of enamel partly contributes to the appearance of your teeth, making them look healthy.
5 things that can damage tooth enamel
Tooth enamel is incredibly resilient, but it can still be damaged. Several factors can contribute to enamel erosion or damage:
Acids: acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and fizzy drinks, can erode enamel over time.
Poor oral hygiene: neglecting your oral hygiene routine, such as regular brushing and flossing, can lead to plaque buildup, which can harm enamel.
Grinding: grinding your teeth, either during the day or at night, can wear down enamel over time.
Tooth trauma: A physical knock to your teeth can chip or even cause a crack in the enamel.
Can teeth whitening damage enamel?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure, and many people wonder if they can whiten teeth without damaging tooth enamel. Most teeth whitening products are designed to whiten teeth without damaging tooth enamel. However, to reduce risks, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a dental professional before starting any whitening treatment.
It's worth noting that using teeth whitening products incorrectly or too often can lead to temporary tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity usually goes away after treatment and does not necessarily mean that there has been any damage caused to your enamel.
How to repair tooth enamel
If you're concerned about enamel erosion or have a small crack in the enamel, it's important to take steps to repair and strengthen tooth enamel. Here are some ways to do that:
Fluoride: fluoride is known for its enamel-strengthening properties. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can help remineralise tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Reduce acidic food and drinks: Limit the amount of acidic foods and drinks you have, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to help neutralise acids.
Dental check-ups: regular dental check-ups can detect enamel erosion early, allowing your dentist to recommend appropriate treatments or strategies for repair.
Avoid teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, talk to your dental professional about wearing a nightguard to protect your enamel.
What is enamel toothpaste and does it help strengthen the enamel?
Enamel toothpaste is specially formulated to help build up tooth enamel and protect it from erosion. This kind of toothpaste usually contains fluoride, which promotes remineralisation and strengthens tooth enamel.
Our elmex Enamel Protection Professional Toothpaste contains unique micro-sealing technology that seals enamel with a protective layer and remineralises enamel to keep your teeth strong.
Home remedies to build up tooth enamel
If you prefer natural methods to build up tooth enamel at home, here are some tips to consider:
Increase dairy intake: dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for enamel health.
Chew gum: chewing sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva production, which neutralises the acids that can break down your tooth enamel.
Brush daily: one of the easiest ways to look after your enamel is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Enamel toothpaste, along with proper oral hygiene practices and a balanced diet, can play a significant role to maintain and strengthen tooth enamel. While it's important to be aware of potential enamel-damaging factors, like acidic foods and poor oral hygiene, you now have the tools to protect and repair tooth enamel.
