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What is Enamel?

If you’ve ever read the labels on your toothpaste or mouthwash, you’ve likely read somewhere that the product “supports and protects enamel.” That sounds good, right? But it sounds better if you know what enamel is, and why it needs to be supported and protected.

Today we’ll answer that question, as well as addressing why regular oral health care is critical to protecting your enamel. You’ll end up with a whole host of oral health issues if you’re not careful with your enamel, and that’s why this is such an important topic to discuss.

What is enamel?
Simply put, enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. It’s what protects the dentin and pulp from damage. Dentin and pulp are the living bundle of nerves and blood vessels in your teeth. Without enamel, your teeth wouldn’t be hard enough to perform any of their current functions.

Going deeper, enamel is a crystalline layer of calcium that replenishes itself on a regular basis. However, if you do too much damage to it – like not brushing – enamel can’t be replaced fast enough to stop infection.

Why do I need to protect it?
If you don’t protect your enamel, you’ll end up with some cavities, and you could end up with gum disease. Protecting your enamel protects the rest of your oral health, and without that it’d be nearly impossible to have healthy teeth at all.

How do I protect it?
The best way to protect your enamel is to follow the advice of our dentist in New York, New York and brush twice daily, while flossing once. Using mouthwash, avoiding soda, and foods high in acid, are all other great things you can do to ensure your enamel stays as healthy as possible.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call Perfect Dental Care today at 212-239-7027.