How Much Do You Know About Your Teeth?

07 / 11 / 2017

How Much Do You Know About Your Teeth?

The Importance Of Healthy Tooth Enamel Explained By Your Local Ipswich Dentist

Avoiding common dental problems, such as tooth decay, begins with making sure that the enamel on our teeth remains strong and healthy.

The enamel provides a protective layer that covers the softer dentine portion of our teeth. When the enamel becomes damaged, the porous dentine layer is exposed, and decay and root canal infections can occur.

The thickness of the enamel will vary according to each individual but can be up to 2.5mm at the cusp. This thickness reduces as it reaches towards the gum line; another good reason, aside from gum disease concerns, is to make sure that we brush and floss correctly in this area.

It is also worth remembering that children have thinner enamel on their teeth and this, along with a fondness for sugary sweets, is another good reason to make sure that your children visit the Lighthouse Dental Practice in Ipswich to have their teeth and gums monitored on a regular basis.

Protecting the enamel

In addition to minimising the impact on our teeth of problematic foods such as sugars and acidic fruits, it is important that we take time to look after them well. Whilst enamel is a strong material, it can be damaged if not kept clean.

It is important to brush teeth twice a day and to floss as well. Make sure to use a toothbrush that is not worn and to use fluoride toothpaste, as changing to a non-fluoride version significantly increases the risk of decay. Fluoride is excellent for strengthening the protective enamel and you should always make sure that it is present in your toothpaste. In addition to this, and to help protect your gums and underlying bone structure too, dental hygienist visits at our Ipswich practice are also very important.

Restoring damaged enamel

Although research may one day discover a means of regrowing tooth enamel; currently this can only be done using an artificial replacement. The type used will depend on the area and the type of damage that has been done to the enamel. Tooth coloured fillings are available where the enamel has been damaged and decay has occurred. Composite materials may also be used where the damage is very minor and small chips need filling. For more serious damage though, a dental crown may be used to restore a tooth.

Where the front surface of the visible teeth has been damaged, perhaps due to overexposure to acidic drinks, not only can this increase the risk of tooth decay, but also creates a rougher surface that becomes easily stained. In order to restore the whiteness of the teeth and to re-establish protection, porcelain dental veneers offer an excellent solution.

Whether you are looking for simple preventative care or cosmetic dentistry to give you a great-looking smile, The Lighthouse Dental Practice can help. To find out how, please call our Ipswich dental practice on 01473 257379.

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If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.