Are your teeth worn? Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). But this doesn't mean it can't wear away. If your teeth seem smaller or have pits, dents, or curves in the surface, take a look at what you need to know about dental wear, oral health, aesthetics, and the restoration options such as porcelain crowns.
Why Is Dental Enamel So Strong?
Before you learn about the strength and durability of dental enamel, you may need to know more about what this substance actually is. Dental enamel is the pearly whitish coating on your teeth. It covers the inner parts of the tooth, keeping the dentin, pulp, and nerves safe. The ADA notes that dental enamel has a 96 percent mineral content. This high mineral content makes it stronger than other bones in your body.
How Can Your Teeth Wear Away?
If dental enamel is stronger than your body's bones, how could it wear away? Even though enamel is extremely hard and durable, it isn't a perfect substance. The way you care for your teeth, what you eat and drink, activities you engage in, and some mouth movements can impact the surface of your teeth (the top, sides, front, and back).
Acidic foods/beverages, such as orange or grapefruit juice, can wear enamel away. Likewise, starchy foods (such as white bread products) and sugary foods can also cause this type of wear. Even though what you eat and drink can cause erosion, it isn't the only reason enamel wears away. Injuries and grinding can also remove enamel and wear down your teeth.
How Can a Crown Help?
Erosion can cause oral health and aesthetic issues. Without a solid coating of enamel, the dentin underneath is left exposed. Not only will this cause your teeth to have a yellowish appearance or a shorter/smaller look, but the missing enamel can also increase the risk of dental decay and the development of cavities.
Enamel isn't a substance you can naturally rebuild. Even though it's made from minerals, you can't fully re-mineralize or rebuild dental enamel. Instead, you need to restore the tooth. A porcelain tooth-colored crown can top the eroded area. The crown can give your eroded tooth back its original shape and create a seamless look. This type of dental restoration can also protect the exposed part of your tooth, decreasing the chances of infection and dental decay.
Share29 November 2021
Being born with naturally soft teeth, I've spent a lot of time in and out of the dentist's office. Not only have I learned a lot about basic dental care, I've also discovered many tips for dealing with broken teeth, extractions, implants, and more. I decided that I wanted to make the most of my experience by sharing what I've learned with others. True first-hand experience is a great teacher, and I knew that my story could help. I created this site to do just that, and I hope that the information here helps you to understand what to expect from your dental problems.