As dental practitioners, we may be biased, but we think teeth are pretty amazing. Not only are they specialized to perform specific functions, but they are also durable enough to stand up to a lifetime of the demands you place on them. Tooth enamel is a big part of that durability. Enamel is a remarkable substance, but you may wonder what makes it so special. What is it made of? Why is it so durable? And how is it possible for it to remain so tough even after years of use?
Read on to find out more about the incredible substance known as tooth enamel and the best ways to care for it!
The Structure of Your Teeth
Although they seem very hard, your teeth are actually made from mostly soft tissues. The innermost portion of a tooth, known as the root, is composed mostly of blood vessels and nerves. The layer outside of the root is made from a porous material called dentin, which is highly susceptible to fractures. The dentin is surrounded by a relatively thick layer of tooth enamel, which provides a great deal of protection. Without the tooth enamel to protect them, the inner structures of the teeth would not be able to withstand the demands of chewing your food before it is swallowed.
What is Tooth Enamel Made From?
The strength of your tooth enamel owes largely to its chemical composition. It is the hardest substance in the human body, the second hardest naturally occurring material on Earth, and is as hard or harder than many types of steel. That’s because it is composed of 96% inorganic minerals. Unlike bone, which contains a great deal of softer organic material, tooth enamel is almost like a hard mineral created by your own body.
The main chemical components of tooth enamel are:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Potassium
As you may be aware, calcium is the most abundant mineral found in tooth enamel. While the mineral calcium is very hard, your body is actually unable to use the calcium in your diet effectively without the presence of other elements. For example, calcium combines with phosphorus in the presence of Vitamin D to create a compound called crystalline calcium phosphate. This forms most of the physical structure of tooth enamel and gives it its characteristic hardness. Calcium and magnesium also work together to harden tooth enamel and increase its density. Magnesium and potassium are other crucial elements that help your body regulate blood acidity, which is a major factor in the demineralization of teeth. Together with trace elements like zinc and iron, these main components of tooth enamel are what allow you to build a tough, durable coating over your teeth and maintain it throughout your life.
Demineralization and Remineralization
Unlike bone, your teeth are unable to heal themselves because they are composed of mostly inorganic material. Instead, your teeth undergo the processes of demineralization and remineralization to stay healthy. In demineralization, minerals are stripped away from the teeth. Through remineralization, those minerals are replaced using minerals found in your food. In this way, remineralization allows your tooth enamel to “heal,” although not in the traditional sense.
Because remineralization is so important to the health of your tooth enamel, your diet must include all the minerals listed above. You should also maintain an oral health routine that includes brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular dental checkups. Without regular maintenance and a good diet, bacterial action and other processes can speed up demineralization, stripping minerals from your teeth faster than they can be replaced, which leads to softer and less dense tooth enamel.
Monitoring the Health of Your Tooth Enamel
While you may be able to spot issues with your tooth enamel at home, it’s best to discover any issues well before they become visibly apparent. Your dentist will be your partner in maintaining the health of your tooth enamel, your gums, and other parts of your mouth. Be sure to schedule a dental checkup once every six months and follow all care instructions from your dentist. With a proper diet and oral health routine, tooth enamel can easily last your entire life!
If you need a dentist in Palos Heights, IL, or anywhere else in the Chicago area, get in touch with American Dental by calling (773) 284-5928 or by requesting an appointment online. We have 8 locations in Chicagoland to serve you, so schedule a dental appointment near you and give your teeth the checkup they need!