Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance found in the human body? According to The American Dental Association (ADA), enamel is even stronger than bone. Enamel is the outer layer of a tooth that you can see.

Knowing what your teeth are made of and the structure of them can help you understand how best to look after them. This information will also guide you on how your daily habits can have an impact on your teeth.

In Addition to Enamel, What Are Teeth Made Of?

Teeth have multiple layers of hard and soft tissues all of which have different jobs: 

• The crown – This is the part of the tooth you can see.
• The neck – This is where the crown meets the root.
• The roots – This is the part you can’t see under the gums. It anchors the teeth to the bone.

Inside these three parts, there are four different sections.

Enamel

Enamel is made from calcium phosphate minerals. It is responsible for protecting your teeth from every day crunching, chewing, biting and grinding. It is also responsible for insulating your teeth from extreme hot and cold temperatures. Although it is a thin layer, it is very tough. It covers the crown of your tooth. Although enamel may appear white, gray or yellow, it is actually translucent. The color of your tooth comes from the dentin inside your tooth.

While enamel is strong, once it is damaged, it can not repair itself. However, there are ways to strengthen your enamel.

Dentin

This is a softer middle part of the tooth that surrounds your root canal which contains nerves and blood vessels. It is also what gives your tooth its color. If it loses the protection of your enamel it can cause tooth sensitivity as it is susceptible to bacteria when unprotected..

Cementum

This is a hard bone-like layer of tissue that covers the roots and attaches teeth to the periodontal ligament. Cementum forms slowly over the course of your life.

Pulp

The pulp in the innermost part of your tooth contains living tissues, nerves and blood vessels. It is protected by enamel and dentin. It can, however, be exposed to tooth decay of the enamel, and dentin can become exposed.

Looking After Your Teeth

Looking after your teeth is extremely important because they can not regenerate. This can have an overall effect on your health and wellbeing. Regular toothbrushing, reducing your sugar intake, flossing daily and attending routine checkup appointments will help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. There are things you can do to improve your dental health between visits.

At West Coast Dental, we are here to help you keep your teeth in the best possible shape. Regular checkups and cleanings are an important part of this. We can give you advice on the best oral care routine for you and help you prevent needing treatment. 

To accommodate your busy lifestyle, we offer same-day appointments when needed. Book now online or over the phone to keep your smile camera-ready and preserve the structure of your teeth.

Sources

American Dental Association (ADA) – How Strong are Teeth?

Colgate – Preventing And Treating Exposed Dentin

Colgate – Periodontal Ligament: What Is It?