What You Need to Know About Dentine
Teeth sensitivity may cause excruciating pain, especially when you drink liquids that have high acidity. You may not know it, but your teeth may have lost some of their enamel, exposing the dentine.
Dentine is an important part of a tooth; exposure of this calcified tissue would mean sweets, hot or cold drinks, soups and others have direct access to the nerves, making it painful to do routine activities such as eating and drinking. With dentine exposed, you have a higher risk of developing tooth sensitivity and decay.
The Importance of Dentine
Unidental agrees that dentine is just as important as tooth enamel; both are vital parts of a tooth, giving it a layer of protection against diseases, bacteria, plaque and food debris.
Dentine is a calcified tissue in the body that is present with enamel, pulp and cementum — all these form the teeth. This is the second layer that is just below the enamel, the latter being the tooth’s first line of defence against bacteria and the damage caused by consuming high acid drinks and food. Dentine causes the white or yellowish tinge of teeth.
Dentine resembles the structure of bones and has packed tubules or channels that appear in a zigzag manner. The enamel is the crown of dentine, while the latter acts as its layer of protection. Whenever enamel erodes it exposes dentine, causing sensitive teeth and possible decay. With the exposure of dentine, you will feel extreme pain from eating or drinking food that contains sugar, acids or harsh chemicals.
Tooth Erosion
Dental erosion should be a concern because of the problems it causes. Loss of enamel and exposure of dentine, the two protective layers of teeth, increase the likelihood of teeth sensitivity, plaque build-up and gum disease.
Every time you drink or eat acidic food, the enamel softens and loses some of its mineral content, making a tooth susceptible to infection because of the nerve exposure. The simple act of brushing may erode the surface of your teeth if you consistently consume highly acidic food. Consult with a dentist to determine the signs of erosion and find the best possible treatment.
