The Three Layers of Your Teeth
Did you know that if your tooth enamel gets damaged, the inner tooth layers become more vulnerable to decay? It’s important to brush and floss daily, but it’s important to visit the dentist regularly, too. Your friendly dentists at Sunrise Dental in Peoria will spot any warning signs and help you prevent enamel loss and tooth decay.
The Three Layers of Your Teeth
Layer 1: Enamel
This hard outer layer protects your teeth from damage and infections. Made from rock-hard calcium phosphate, our tooth enamel has an even higher mineral content than your bones. The enamel covers the crown, the part of the tooth that is visible above the gumline. Acids from plaque, food, and beverages can harm your tooth enamel, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly.
Layer 2: Dentin
The middle layer of teeth is also composed of calcified minerals. Dentin is harder than bone, but vulnerable unless it is protected by the enamel. Gum diseases like gingivitis make your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing the dentin. Damage to the enamel from plaque or teeth grinding can also expose your dentin. Without the protective enamel, you may suffer tooth pain or sensitivity to heat and cold.
Layer 3: Pulp
The center layer of the tooth, the pulp, contains all of the nerves and blood vessels. Also known as the root canal chamber, this central dental layer is extremely vulnerable. Fractures, cavities and infections that reach the pulp cause extreme pain. Don’t delay—if you have severe tooth pain call us right away! We always do our best to schedule same-day appointments for dental emergencies.
Contact Us
Scheduling regular appointments at Sunrise Dental is the best way to keep all layers of a tooth in good condition and prevent decay. Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. Call us at 623-487-4870 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash used under Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/01/2020.