Our Dental Blog

Strong Enamel Is a Key to Healthy Teeth

June 29, 2018
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Keeping a healthy smile with healthy teeth requires a lifelong commitment to brushing, flossing, making healthy choices about what goes in your mouth, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. There is no secret fast pass to making your teeth and mouth stay healthy because everyone’s mouth is unique and different. While some people can be hyper-vigilant with their preventative care and still end up with cavities, there are others who are much less mindful yet have teeth in near perfect health.  The key to a healthy smile is keeping the enamel that surrounds and protects your teeth strong. Strong, healthy enamel can defend against bacteria and acid that can attack your smile. 

What Makes and Keeps Enamel Strong?

Much like the rest of your body parts and functionalities, your tooth enamel relies on essential minerals and nutrients to stay fortified and healthy. In fact, the enamel of your teeth is almost entirely made up of calcium and other minerals. This means that your teeth need an ample supply of these minerals to stay fortified and strong. Minerals are consumed mainly through your diet, which makes your nutritional choices all the more important. If oral bacteria is allowed to attack your teeth or if the pH balance of your smile is highly acidic, the enamel can be weakened. Keeping your smile free and clear of harmful bacteria can limit the attacks on your enamel.

Enamel Protects the Sensitive Parts

Tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that is thin and semi-translucent. While it may be thin and nearly see-through, your enamel is one of the strongest and most resilient substances produced by your body. At a strong, healthy state, your enamel protects the inner, main structures of your teeth from harmful oral bacteria. Enamel also provides substantial protection from the force of your bite by preventing your teeth from cracking under the pressure.

Do You Think You Have Strong Enamel?

Your dentist can talk to you about your enamel’s strengths and weaknesses.  To do so, schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.