Tooth enamel: All you need to know about its importance, health and protection

Covering the surface of the tooth, enamel appears as a solid, mineralized coat. It protects the dental structure from external attacks and gives it its characteristic hardness. 💪 It is an essential element in protecting teeth against cavities. Here's a detailed guide to the importance, health and protection of enamel.

As a result of a long training process, different elements enter the structure of dental enamel.

Microscopically, dental enamel has a complex structure composed of hydroxyapatite crystals, canaliculi and enamel-dentinal prisms . Hydroxyapatite crystals arrange themselves into regular arrangements and form a crystal structure. Canaliculi appear as tiny channels that pass through the enamel and provide communication between ameloblast cells . 🧫

Enamel-dentin prisms are cylindrical structures that pass through the thickness of the enamel and penetrate the underlying dentin. They are formed by the alignment of hydroxyapatite crystals and are responsible for the striped appearance observed under the microscope. 🔬

Chemically, dental enamel mainly contains hydroxyapatite . Representing approximately 96% of its chemical makeup, it is a crystalline mineral made up of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen and hydrogen . Hydroxyapatite crystals are responsible for the hardness and strength of enamel. 💎

Besides hydroxyapatite, enamel contains other chemical components, such as water and organic matrix . 💦 Also included in its constitution are small quantities of inorganic substances, including fluoride ions, carbonate ions and traces of different metal cations .

Thanks to its constitution, enamel fulfills several beneficial functions for the tooth.

Due to its hardness and strength , tooth enamel forms an outer protective barrier that covers the crown of the teeth. 👑 It is the most mineralized component of the human body. It offers great resistance to erosion due to chewing and chemical attacks on the oral cavity.

Its dense crystalline structure and its chemical composition rich in hydroxyapatite make the enamel strong and waterproof . Healthy, it resists bacterial attacks, which helps prevent the formation of cavities. 🦠

This therefore avoids all types of problems such as rotten teeth , or even brown spots on the teeth , black teeth , brown teeth or even gray teeth , etc.

As the outer layer of teeth, enamel is involved in the process of chewing , the first step in digestion. It protects the most sensitive dental tissues, such as dentin and dental pulp, from damage caused by chewing forces . 👄

Enamel helps prevent premature tooth wear by resisting abrasion. Although it is not directly involved in the chemical digestion of food , it plays an indirect role.

Deprived of nerve endings, enamel lacks direct sensitivity. The sensations reach it through other dental tissues such as: dentin, the enamel-dentin boundary and the dental pulp . 🦷

Located beneath the enamel, dentin contains tiny channels called dentinal tubules. When stimuli reach the tubules, it stimulates the odontoblasts and nerve signals reach the nerves located in the dental pulp. 💥 The junction between enamel and dentin, called the enamel-dentin boundary, is also a sensitive area .

The installation of tooth enamel takes place in several stages. It grows and gains strength over time.

Amelogenesis is a complex process, involving the participation of specialized cells called ameloblasts . Ameloblasts secrete an organic matrix called pre-enamel. ☝️

This matrix contains specific proteins, including amelogenins, enamelins and tuftelins , which play an essential role in the formation and mineralization of this structure. Ameloblasts go through a phase of differentiation and progressive maturation. This is followed by the mineralization of the enamel matrix and the maturation of the ameloblasts . 🪨

Various causes of different natures (genetic, environmental and nutritional) influence the development of dental enamel. Studies show that genetic variations are likely to affect the quality and architecture of this dental structure. 🧬

Mutations in certain genes involved in amelogenesis can lead to abnormalities such as amelogenesis imperfecta. This is characterized by poor quality enamel . 😓 Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and trace elements, can lead to training defects.

Exposed to poor oral hygiene, enamel can suffer from multiple problems.

Enamel erosion corresponds to the progressive wear of this dental structure under the action of acids of extrinsic or intrinsic origin. The first types come from acidic foods and drinks. The latter are linked to gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux or frequent vomiting.

Acids in the stomach can travel up into the mouth and contact the teeth, causing enamel to erode. Wear and tear of this mineral can cause other problems, including tooth sensitivity, which often leads to tooth decay .

Tooth decay often occurs in people with poor oral routines . It is the consequence of a metabolism undergone by the sugars present in certain foods, under the action of dental plaque bacteria. This gives rise to acids, which attack tooth enamel. 💣

Over time, acidity erodes tooth enamel and creates a small cavity in the tooth, known as decay. Without proper treatment, cavities progress deeper into the teeth.

Hypoplasia refers to a condition that results in thinness, roughness, or depressions in the enamel surface. And hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in the thickness of the formation. 😥

These problems can result from a variety of causes, including genetic abnormalities, infections, trauma . They are sometimes the consequence of exposure of the enamel to toxic substances during its formation. 🧪 In children, these pathologies can also reflect nutritional deficiencies or systemic diseases .

Dental fluorosis occurs when the tooth is exposed to excessive concentrations of fluoride during development. Fluoride is a mineral beneficial for dental health, when it is in reasonable quantities. 🌡

The fluoride contained in toothpastes is a derivative of fluoride, and an essential compound for impeccable oral hygiene. Excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth formation can change the structure of enamel .

To maintain healthy enamel, certain treatments and preventive measures should be included in your routine.

A balanced and nutritious diet contributes to the development of enamel and its maintenance in good health. This involves avoiding certain foods, especially those high in sugar and acid. Even more so if you have teeth sensitive to basic sugar . 🍭

The sugars present in certain meals and drinks are metabolized by the action of bacteria present in the mouth. From this reaction, acids are born which harm the enamel while increasing the acidity of the mouth . 🍋 For the good health of this dental protective layer, eat enough fruits and vegetables as well as foods rich in calcium and phosphorus .

Furthermore, did you know that it is possible to reduce the risk of periodontal disease by adapting your diet? In particular by knowing the foods to avoid to prevent periodontitis .

To maintain good oral health, dentists are committed to regular tooth brushing and the use of dental floss or interdental brushes . Brushing your teeth properly is a crucial step in removing plaque. 🪥

The wire and the brush heads complement the action of the brush by removing dental plaque and meal debris lodged between the dental gaps and along the gums.
Learn about the correct way to use interdental brushes beforehand.

It is also necessary to adopt the right actions to strengthen our gums , a more than important element of our mouth!

Although these points can help remove plaque and reduce tartar , to completely eliminate tartar, it is important to have regular scaling at the dentist. We remind you that descaling at home is strongly discouraged and presents significant risks! ⚠️

Washing your teeth properly through effective toothbrushing requires the use of a well-chosen electric or manual toothbrush ! Dentists will tell you to look instead at the benefits of electric toothbrushes . They are divided into two categories, sonic or rotating toothbrushes . 😉

To improve enamel strength, one solution is to apply topical fluoride . Using dental sealants can also help you protect this tooth structure. The means of prevention act as a barrier against bacteria in the mouth and acids likely to harm enamel. 🥴

Some dental products contain specific ingredients, which promote the remineralization of enamel . 🥳 In some cases, tooth whitening procedures are necessary to improve the appearance of this mineral.

Recent innovations and research on dental enamel mainly aim to develop new approaches to prevention, strengthening and repair .

Researchers are working on methods to stimulate targeted remineralization of enamel , using special materials or products containing remineralizing active ingredients. These approaches aim to strengthen this mineral and prevent cavities more effectively. 😁

Research is also underway to develop methods for bioengineering enamel. That is to say the creation of artificial enamel from biocompatible materials. This could allow the formation to regenerate in the event of wear or damage, providing new treatment options for restoring teeth.

There are new products designed to protect and strengthen tooth enamel. 🛡 This is the case with certain toothpastes, which have the function of strengthening the structure by providing it with minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate .

Remember that fluoride is not bad for your health as long as it is in the right quantity!

There are solutions containing a high concentration of fluoride (fluoride varnish, fluoride mouthwash, sugar-free chewing gum). Strengthening the resistance of enamel, these treatments help prevent cavities. 🙅‍♀️