Can Tooth Enamel Be Restored? Facts You Need to Know
Did you know that your tooth enamel is even stronger than bones? Yes, that’s correct! Primarily made up of minerals and some trace amounts of protein and water, enamel is the strongest tissue in the human body.
Does that mean it is indestructible? No! Tooth enamel, the shiny white layer you see on your teeth, is highly vulnerable to sugary foods and drinks. And once that is damaged, are there any ways to regenerate it? Let’s find out.
Understanding Enamel Damage vs. Loss: What’s the Difference?
Tooth enamel is the first line of defense for your teeth against the outer elements such as acidic foods and beverages, bacteria, plaque, etc. If you see a reduction or altercation in enamel, that can be considered as enamel damage. On the other hand, if there’s a permanent reduction in your tooth enamel, that’s enamel loss.
Once the enamel is damaged, it can be repaired with the help of remineralization treatments. However, once lost…that’s gone! It can’t be regrown naturally.
Micro-wear vs. Erosion vs. Irreversible Loss
The loss of tooth enamel can be the result of multiple factors such as micro-wear, erosion or irreversible loss. Micro-wear is the least bothersome and microscopic wear of enamel that occurs over time. Even basic functions like chewing can be responsible for it. Erosion, on the other hand, is a gradual chemical dissolution of tooth enamel that happens because of acids. It’s irreversible and progressive.
Irreversible loss of enamel means it cannot be regenerated by the body. This is the next stage of both abrasion and erosion. It exposes the inner teeth layers (dentin and pulp) to outer elements and increases the risks of potential damage to your oral health.
Misconceptions around “restoring” enamel
One of the biggest misconceptions around enamel restoration is that it can be regrown. Since the enamel does not contain any living tissue, it cannot be regenerated. Here are some other myths to watch out for:
- Remineralization isn’t possible
- You can DIY remineralizing treatments
- Toothpaste or mouthwash won’t help much
- There’s no need for professional help
What dentists actually mean by “strengthening enamel”
In layman’s words, “strengthening enamel” means remineralizing it – restoring the lost minerals through certain ways such as using toothpastes or mouthwashes rich in fluoride. These kinds of dental products push calcium and phosphates into your teeth and strengthen the enamel.
Is Tooth Enamel Regeneration Scientifically Possible?
No. Tooth enamel cannot be regenerated scientifically. Unlike other body issues, this unique tissue does not have any living cells and thus, it’s unable to repair itself naturally. However, partial restoration or repair is possible through certain treatments.
Let’s explore this in detail:
Explanation with evidence-based facts
Tooth enamel does not have any nerves, living cells or blood supply. Therefore, it’s naturally impossible to regrow. This is confirmed by the NCBI research.
Natural remineralization limits
Foods/products rich in fluoride and saliva can naturally remineralize the enamel. This refers to the redeposition of calcium and phosphates back into the enamel. However, this process has limitations:
It can only happen in the early stages when the cavities haven’t formed yet
It partially repairs the enamel making it resistant to future damage
It cannot restore the lost enamel or its thickness
Role of saliva, fluoride, and pH balance
Saliva is the natural healer, fluoride is the reinforcer while the pH balance is the deciding factor in this case. Saliva is rich in minerals keeping the enamel healthy with a natural pH around 6.7 to 7.5. Fluoride forms fluorapatite, a stronger substance than hydroxyapatite – making your enamel more acid-resistant.
About the pH balance, the demineralization starts when the pH is below 5.5. Certain acidic foods like carbonated drinks, sodas, citrus drinks, and vinegar lead to mineral loss.
How Remineralization Works: Can You Do It at Home?
Remineralization is restoring lost minerals (calcium and phosphates) back into the tooth enamel. Even though complete enamel restoration is not possible through remineralization, it can strengthen the weakened enamel layer and make it more resistant to prevent further damage. Saliva and fluoride are the best friends of remineralization as they restore lost minerals naturally. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to remineralize your enamel at home:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste/mouthwash
- Eat a mineral-rich diet and stay hydrated
- Limit acidic foods and beverages
Top Causes That Prevent Enamel Restoration
Enamel’s non-regenerative nature is the primary reason why 100% enamel restoration is impossible. The absence of blood supply, living cells and nerves restrict it from regrowing. The following are some other considerable factors that hinder enamel restoration:
- Bad oral hygiene
- Continuous exposure to acidic foods and beverages
- Bruxism or teeth grinding
- Genetic reasons
- Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamins A, C, D and minerals
- Specific medications
Professional Treatments to Strengthen and Protect Enamel
All the professional treatments to strengthen and protect enamel focus on remineralization. Dentists primarily rely on certain medical treatments/products such as veneers, crowns, dental sealants, dental bondings and fluoride treatments to repair the damaged enamel and prevent future damages. Let’s take a look at them in detail:
Veneers
Made of composite resin or porcelain, veneers are tailored shells that are fit to your teeth. They not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also prevent them from future problems.
Fluoride Treatments
This is mainly a topical treatment that involves the usage of fluoride-rich toothpastes or mouthwashes. These products help remineralize the enamel and make it more durable.
Dental Sealants
Dentists apply sealants to the chewing layer of molars to prevent your teeth from enamel erosion and cavities.
Dental Bondings
Enamel erosion leads to the formation of chips or cracks in your teeth. Dentists use dental bondings to restore your teeth’s appearance and prevent them from further damage.
Daily Habits That Support Enamel Preservation
You must adopt certain habits related to your oral hygiene, diet and preventive dental care. Here’s a list of some of the best ways to ensure optimal enamel preservation:
- Brush regularly with fluoride-rich toothpaste or mouthwash (twice daily)
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles
- Stay hydrated for optimal saliva production
- Limit acidic foods and beverages
- Add calcium-rich foods to your diet
- Regular checkups with your dentist
- Snack on crisp, fresh veggies and fruits
- Consider a night guard for teeth grinding
How Strengthening Enamel Transforms Your Smile
Teeth enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Naturally, it has the power to make or break the appearance of your teeth and ultimately your smile. Stronger enamel looks more vibrant and whiter – adding more value to your smile. Here are the other reasons how strengthening enamel can transform your smile:
- It prevents tooth damage and decay
- It fixes cracks, chips and disfigured edges in teeth
- It enhances tooth symmetry and shapes
- It promotes overall oral health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Tooth enamel plays a key role in maintaining your overall oral health. However, many people seek more knowledge about it. To address some of the most frequently asked questions, we have come up with this section. Let’s dive right into it:
Is it possible to regrow tooth enamel?
No. It’s not possible to regrow tooth enamel due to the absence of any living cells in it. However, the enamel loss can be partially restored with certain treatments, lifestyle changes and proper diet.
When is it too late to repair enamel?
It’s never too late to repair your tooth enamel. Even though the erosion is significant, there are professional practices to prevent the enamel from further damage. Note that it cannot be regrown but only can be partially repaired and strengthened.
Can a dentist fix enamel loss?
Even though dentists cannot promote the natural growth of enamel, they can certainly repair the loss up to some extent. They can also help you prevent future damage to enamel and ensure the best oral hygiene.
Can teeth whitening harm enamel?
Teeth whitening is considered safe for tooth enamel when done with the help of professionals. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can result in enamel erosion. Thus, it’s always suggested to go for such treatments under a dentist’s observation.
Which toothpaste is best for enamel repair?
Generally, toothpastes that have great amounts of fluoride and other remineralizing elements are considered the best for enamel repair. Any toothpaste cannot regenerate enamel; however, those good with fluoride can repair enamel partially and make it strong enough to prevent further damages.
Final Word: Can Tooth Enamel Be Restored?
A good offense is the best way to keep enamel erosion at bay. Since enamel restoration is naturally impossible, it’s better to be proactive with the habits that can impact your oral health. Remember, these are not quick fixes – these ways need to be incorporated into your day-to-day life if you wish to protect your smile for years to come.
Take one day at a time! Start small and be consistent with it to nurture a brighter and healthier smile. Visit your dentist regularly to catch any signs of enamel erosion and fix it.
