Dentin Is as Important as Enamel

Ask any dentist about the importance of dentin and he or she will speak at length about it. Yet most patients are primarily interested in tooth enamel as they have heard it must be protected.  Enamel helps prevent cavities.  It also keeps the teeth looking white and shiny.  However, enamel should be taken care of for another reason: to prevent the dentin from being exposed.

Enamel and Dentin

Enamel certainly gets all the attention yet dentin is worth our reverence as well.  Positioned below the enamel, dentin is made up of a delicate layer of tissues and tiny tubules that interact with the nerves of the teeth.  When the gums recede, the dentin is exposed.  Exposed dentin will lead to pain.  Things that did not hurt your teeth in the past will feel quite painful if the dentin is exposed.  This is attributable to the fact that the tubules in dentin permit hot and cold items to stimulate the tooth's nerve.  The stimulation of such a nerve causes a shooting pain referred to as tooth sensitivity.  This is precisely why dentin is so important.

Dentin’s Role in the Context of Oral Health

The teeth are comprised of four primary components: enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum.  Dentin is the second hardest tissue below the enamel's outer layer.  However, dentin is not nearly as hard as enamel.  Dentin is the portion of the tooth surrounding and connecting to the pulp.  When dentin is exposed, the pain is transmitted to the nerve by way of the tubules within the dentin.  So try to think of dentin as a somewhat brittle bone beneath the incredibly hard enamel.

Dentin is mainly comprised of minerals.  There is also a small amount of water in dentin as well.  It supports the tooth structure and makes the enamel that much harder.  It also serves a purpose inside of the teeth as well.  It safeguards the soft and sensitive dental pulp tissue within the interior of the tooth.  Furthermore, dentin is also the main component in the crown of teeth.

Protect Enamel to Safeguard Your Dentin

It is imperative that you brush your teeth as gently as possible to preserve the integrity of your tooth enamel.  Do not consume acidic foods unless absolutely necessary.  Do your best to prevent dry mouth and you will preserve your dentin for the long haul.

Do Not Shrug Off Tooth Pain!

If your teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold fluids, food or anything else, it is a sign your mouth needs attention from a dentist.  Enamel that has been breached will expose the yellow and porous dentin below.  So don't assume you can soldier through exposed dentin.  If you experience tooth pain, there is a chance the enamel has worn away and the exposed dentin is causing an increase in sensitivity.  Exposed dentin must be tended to by an experienced dentist as soon as possible.

Call us at (703) 745-3227 for more information from Titan Dental Care or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Sterling.

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