Tooth enamel – the top layer of the tooth – is the hardest substance in the human body. This thin layer is formed by special cells called adamantoblasts and covers the crown of the tooth. The enamel consists of fibrous prisms of the rare mineral hydroxyapatite. As the tooth matures, the enamel loses water and organic components, and minerals such as calcium are deposited instead. Fluorides further harden the enamel and increase its resistance to acids.
Danger to tooth enamel
- Acids secreted by bacteria and found in plaque or lodged in fine cracks in the tooth. They attack the tooth and dissolve calcium and phosphates from the mineral bond of the enamel. The enamel thus becomes porous, the acids can penetrate further and the tooth is also damaged in deeper layers. The result is caries, an irreversible destruction of the tooth structure.
- Frequent contact with acids, for example, in soft drinks. Many soft drinks contain citric acid, which also attacks tooth enamel. As a result, erosions form, caries-like destruction of the tooth, which can not be fully compensated even by saliva and the components contained therein.
- Over-intensive tooth brushing
- Tooth enamel can crack when biting solid objects.
- Since the enamel can no longer be re-formed, a loss remains throughout life.
Precaution
In addition to a change in diet, erosion or caries damage can be combated, especially in the formation stage, by using, for example, a fluoride toothpaste. However, proper tooth brushing technique is also important. If the teeth are also scrubbed with a lot of force after the acid thrust, this increases the abrasion of the upper layers of the teeth, which have become porous due to the acids. Instead, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water or milk, for example, to dilute the acid and speed up the replacement of the minerals that have been dissolved out.