Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the protective outer covering of each of your teeth. It shields your tooth crown (the part you can see above your gums) and the delicate inner layers of your tooth from damage.

Tooth enamel is incredibly durable. In fact, it’s the hardest substance in your body — even harder than your bones.

Even though enamel is strong, it can break down over time. Dental plaque, acids from the foods you eat, and daily wear and tear can all damage your enamel. Once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. This is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene to protect your enamel.

What does enamel do?

Enamel protects your teeth from damage. Specifically, it protects the innermost layers of your tooth — the dentin and tooth pulp. Damaged enamel can lead to cavities (tooth decay) and infections. It can leave the innermost tissue exposed so that your teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

What does enamel look like?

Enamel is partially see-through. Dentin (the layer underneath) can vary in color, from grayish-white to light yellow and everything in between. Together, enamel and dentin give your teeth their unique shade.

What’s enamel made of?

Tooth enamel is mostly calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, which make up 95% of your enamel, bond together to form ultra-strong crystallites (small crystals).

The rest of your enamel consists of water (4%) and proteins (1%).

What are the common conditions and disorders that affect tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel erosion exposes the inner layers of your teeth to open air and the foods and drinks you consume. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, tooth enamel loss can make your teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sweets. They may also stain more easily.

Several things can lead to tooth enamel loss, like:

• Consuming too much sugar: Bacteria feed off the sugar and release acids that can break down your enamel.
• Consuming acidic food or drinks: The acid can wear away your enamel.
• Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away bacteria and acid that can break down your enamel. It also helps neutralize the acid. Anything that can lead to dry mouth is bad for your enamel.
• Friction, stress and everyday wear and tear: Over time, chewing and biting can gradually wear down your enamel. Nail biting or using your teeth in ways they’re not intended (like ripping apart packets) can also lead to damage.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to thinner enamel. This is called enamel hypoplasia.
• Stomach acid: Stomach acid that reaches your teeth can damage their hard outer shells. This can happen with GERD or similar gastrointestinal issues. It can also happen in bulimia.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Putting too much pressure on your teeth can weaken the enamel and lead to cracked or chipped teeth.

How can I take care of my tooth enamel?

Keeping your oral hygiene in check is the best way to ensure your enamel stays strong and healthy. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. This removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from your teeth surfaces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle hand so you don’t damage your enamel.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize your enamel. Along with calcium and phosphorus, fluoride is an important mineral that strengthens the outer layer of your teeth.
• Floss once a day. Plaque, debris and bacteria like to hide in nooks and crannies — especially the ones between your teeth. Flossing gets rid of them.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Steer clear of candy and starchy foods, sodas, fruit juice and other sugary drinks as much as possible.
• Drink acidic beverages through a straw. Drinking sodas and other acidic drinks through a straw helps reduce contact with your tooth surfaces.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day washes away plaque, bacteria and food particles.
• Chew sugar-free gum. This helps increase saliva production, which helps protect your enamel.
• Reduce pressure on your teeth. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, wear a mouth guard. If you bite your nails, work with a provider to break the habit. Don’t chew on ice.
• Get treatment for underlying conditions. This includes dry mouth, GERD and bulimia.
• Visit your dentist regularly. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, see a dentist for regular cleanings and exams.

Can you restore enamel on teeth?

You can’t regrow enamel that’s gone. But dentists can encourage your body’s ability to repair lightly damaged tooth enamel with fluoride treatments. Fluoride remineralizes and strengthens the outer layers of your teeth.

Your dentist can place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it from further damage.

Does teeth whitening damage enamel?

When used properly, teeth whitening doesn’t damage your enamel. But some whitening products can dry out your teeth. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, talk to a dentist about safe product recommendations.