Our teeth are one of the most unique parts of our body. Although a tooth contains the hardest substance in the body, which is the enamel, it is also one of the very few parts of the body that does not have the ability to heal itself. Periodic appointments with a dentist in Lethbridge, along with regular brushing and flossing, keeps our tooth structure intact, healthy, strong, and less prone to damage.
Parts of a Tooth
For further understanding of the importance of preserving tooth structure, we discuss the different parts of a tooth:
The inside of the tooth is hollow. A tissue called the pulp is located in the interior of the tooth. It consists of nerves and blood vessels and can be removed when root canal therapy is necessary for a patient. A tooth’s core part is made up of a hard substance called dentin. This substance is harder than our bones. Another hard substance, called cementum, covers the roots of the teeth. Though a hard substance, the covering is very small; this is the reason why roots often loose the cementum and become exposed. The crown is the part of the tooth that extends outside the gum and is visible and is covered by enamel to protect it from bacteria build-up and other harmful factors.
Healing Ability
Although the enamel and cementum are hard substances that protect the teeth, they have no healing capabilities or the ability to generate. Dentin has a very limited ability to regenerate and heal. The pulp tissue, which is composed of nerves and blood vessels, has a small time frame to heal, however, it is unable to regenerate.
The inability of our teeth to be restored to a healthy state when broken or infected is why we should do everything to keep our tooth structure intact. Although our teeth cannot heal themselves, dentists have means to restore and repair broken teeth when necessary. Book an Appointment at Lethbridge dental clinic to have your teeth checked for any signs of damage or decay, which can be helped if detected early on.
Causes of Tooth Damage
Preventing tooth damage is better than healing, making it imperative to know what can cause our teeth permanent damage and allow for prevention.
Cavities
Cavities are caused by tooth decay that has penetrated the enamel and dentin. These cavities cause exposure to more bacterial invasion, which ultimately causes further tooth damage. Since enamel and dentin cannot heal themselves, a Lethbridge dentist can put fillings in, to cover the exposed parts of the tooth, and prevent further damage from occurring.
Cavities can be prevented by proper and regular brushing and flossing, the use of fluoride mouthwash, regulated sugar intake, and regular visits to a Lethbridge dental clinic.
Cracks
Cracks are often caused by grinding teeth or clenching. Cracks can also be caused by blunt trauma to the mouth or teeth. The enamel is a single layer covering the entire surface of the tooth and if cracked, the tooth will not be able to function well. A night guard can protect you from grinding and clenching that can occur during sleep.
Injuries
Injuries to the mouth and teeth can cause severe damage to several parts of the tooth. The usual effects of a tooth injury are chipping or breaks. Injuries can be avoided or minimised by wearing a protective mouth guard whenever there is a risk of injury.