Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel is actually the hardest substance in your body. This is because nearly ninety-six percent of the enamel is mineral in nature. The process of producing enamel begins in the fetal stages of growth, and continues until around 10 months after birth. After this, so-called ‘milk teeth’ can be seen until a child is around 6 years old when, when these are replaced by the adult teeth. This is also the last stage of tooth development, and from this point you can only care for what you have. This also means that if you lose tooth enamel, there is no natural remedy or medical treatment that can completely restore it.
The two main causes for enamel destruction are physical friction and chemical decay. Friction is a natural effect of chewing and over time will cause enamel to disappear at a rate of around 8 micrometers every year. Decay is usually caused due to acids, which attack the mineralized enamel and break it down. To some extent, this can be caused by sugars, since bacteria in the mouth consume the sugar and produce acids. In time, such enamel destruction leads to tooth cavities. Once the cavity is deep enough, the enamel cannot support itself and the entire visible tooth can breakdown.
Restoration Of Tooth Enamel
To a large extent, maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent further enamel loss. It is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water after every meal, to reduce the chances of stray bits of food remaining between the teeth. A medicated mouthwash should be used at least once a day. Most dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. This mineral is useful in two ways: it helps to kill bacteria and can help in re-mineralizing the enamel. In fact, teeth that are exposed regularly to fluoride develop a new layer of enamel-like substance that is harder than the original substance. Fluoride is also added to the water that you drink, providing another source of this useful material. In serious cases of enamel loss, a dentist can bathe the teeth in fluoride baths to reduce or stop the destructive process. In cases where a tooth has lost all enamel, dentists use dental sealants as a substitute, which can be effective for as long as five years. Cosmetic surgery is another option, where damaged enamel is completely removed and crowns or veneers are used to mimic the appearance of the surrounding teeth.
