About Enamel
Tooth Enamel: The layer of protection for our teeth
Tooth enamel is the hard, visible, outermost covering of your teeth. Enamel is translucent, giving teeth their sparkle, and depending on its thickness, it shows through the colour of the underlying dentine which varies from light yellow to a grey or blue-like white. It’s the hardest substance in the human body and contains a high percentage of minerals.
Can tooth enamel be restored?
Even though enamel is a strong substance, once enamel erodes or gets damaged, it cannot be regenerated—so it’s important to protect it. Knowing how to protect and preserve your tooth enamel from erosion and decay begins with a basic understanding of what enamel is, how it gets damaged, and the steps you can take on a daily basis to protect it.
Understanding Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the hard, visible, outermost covering of your teeth. Enamel is translucent, giving teeth their sparkle, and depending on its thickness, it shows through the colour of the underlying dentine which varies from light yellow to a grey or blue-like white. It’s the hardest substance in the human body and contains a high percentage of minerals.
What Is Tooth Enamel Made Of?
95% Minerals
Primarily calcium and phosphate, tightly bound in a repeating lattice in the form of crystallites.
4% Water
1% Proteins
99% inorganic substances -
by comparison, bones are typically around 70% inorganic
Did you know?
Enamel has an average thickness of 2-3mm, yet it can effectively protect the sensitive inner layers of teeth from exposure to hot, cold and acidic foods that can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Since tooth enamel contains no living cells, it lacks the ability to regrow. Once it’s lost, it cannot regenerate—leaving the softer layer underneath it less protected. If damage is left to progress, it can be lost altogether in certain areas, exposing the underlying dentine.
Repeated intake of acidic food and drink is a leading cause of enamel wear. Many acidic foods and drinks that make up our everyday diets – like soft drinks, fruits and fruit juices – can dissolve tooth enamel over time. This process is called acid erosion or erosive tooth wear, and approximately up to 1/3rd of young adults may be at risk of it already.1
Keeping enamel strong is important to maintaining good oral health. By taking simple steps every day, you can help protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion.
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![brushing teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush]()
Brush your teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use an optimised toothpaste
Soft-bristled brushes reduce potential for toothbrushing to contribute to enamel wear. -
![Information stating that it is better for teeth to drink acidic beverages through a straw]()
When you drink acidic beverages, do so through a reusable straw.
Drinking through a reusable straw helps push the liquid to back of your mouth, and away from your teeth.
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![drink water to rinse away dietary acids]()
Hydrate with water throughout the day
Drinking lots of water is especially important if you feel you have a dry mouth.
You can protect your tooth enamel from acid erosion and enjoy a healthy varied diet also by making some small adjustments to your oral care routine.
-
![Information promoting brushing teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a fluoride enamel toothpaste]()
Brush your teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use an optimised toothpaste
Soft-bristled brushes reduce potential for toothbrushing to contribute to enamel wear.
-
![Information stating that its better for teeth to drink acidic beverages through a straw]()
When you drink acidic beverages, do so through a reusable straw.
Drinking through a reusable straw helps push the liquid to back of your mouth, and away from your teeth.
-
![Information stating to drink water to rinse away dietary acids]()
Hydrate with water throughout the day
Drinking lots of water is especially important if you feel you have a dry mouth.
You can protect your tooth enamel from acid erosion and enjoy a healthy varied diet also by making some small adjustments to your oral care routine.
