You only get one set of teeth in your adult life, so you need to make sure that you can enjoy them for as long as possible and this involves taking proper care of them on a regular basis. Along with this one set is a substance that is a protective layer that is just as important as the teeth themselves: enamel. This article will talk a bit more about tooth enamel and how you can protect it and enjoy a long happy life together.

What is enamel?
Enamel is a thin outer coating of your teeth that protects the more sensitive layers underneath, which are known as dentin (first layer below the enamel) and the pulp (the second layer). The reason that it is so important is that you only have one layer of it protecting your teeth and this cannot grow back, this is your best line of defence against plaque and tooth decay.

If enamel does wear away it exposes these more delicate inner layers to the bacteria, plaque and acids in your mouth and can cause the tooth to wear away even further. Left untreated this can lead to losing your teeth completely.

How does enamel wear away?
To some degree enamel becomes worn from everyday wear and tear of eating and drinking, but is also impacted by your oral hygiene habits.

How can you protect it?
One of the best ways to protect your teeth is to have a good oral hygiene regime and this involves regular brushing and flossing. Fluoride is known to help protect the existing enamel on the teeth, so it is a good idea to use a fluoride rinse and toothpaste. Most countries also put fluoride in tap water, so drinking water is a good way to get the fluoride that you need.

What else can help?
You may not have your toothbrush around all the time but here are some tips for protecting your tooth enamel:

– Use a straw when consuming sugary or fizzy drinks, this will mean very little contact between the beverage and your teeth, thereby protecting the enamel on your teeth. You can also do this for other beverages too!

– Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking to clear excess food and prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth