Your tooth consist of a total of four layers. The pulp, enamel, cementum and dentin all work together to create strong teeth. The pulp is in the center of the tooth and contains the blood vessels and nerves. The enamel, dentin and cementum are harder substances and can be calcified.
What is Enamel?
The enamel is the outermost layer of your tooth. It is the crown that is visible over the rest of the tooth’s surface. This enamel is not a living tissue so you cannot rebuild it once it’s been worn away or damaged. Sometimes this occurs from acids in your diet.
What Causes Tooth Enamel Loss?
There are many factors that can lead to the damage of tooth enamel. Some of these include:
• Overexposure to dietary acids. These acids can be found in your everyday drinks and food. When plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, these acids can lead to the demineralization of the tooth’s enamel.
• Physical Damage to Teeth. This often occurs as a result of a broken or chipped tooth.
• Medications. This even includes harmless over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or supplements such as Vitamin C.
Can Weakened Tooth Enamel be Repaired?
There is no way to rebuild your damaged tooth enamel. There is hope that you can still repair the tooth structure and protect your teeth from any further damage. Some options to consider could be:
Bonding
This effective way to repair the tooth structure is ideal when you are dealing with a broken or chipped tooth. Tooth bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material directly to the surface of the tooth. This will fill in the damaged area and act like enamel.
Crown
A crown is sometimes called a cap. This can rebuild the structure of the tooth by covering over the damaged enamel. With this procedure, you can prevent any further erosion to the tooth.
If you are concerned about the state of the enamel on your teeth, be sure to make an appointment with your Rancho Cucamonga family dentist. They will be able to exam your teeth and help you understand the best treatment options available for your situation.