Your teeth are strong enough to bite off and grind food, showcase your confidence through a smile, and help you communicate, yet they can decay if you don’t take proper care of them. It may be common to believe that your teeth are bones, but they aren’t made of living tissue like bone is and cannot regenerate. So what exactly are teeth made out of? Let’s take a look at what makes a tooth, layer by layer.

Enamel

Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. While very strong, it can wear down due to plaque and bacteria overgrowth. Eating and drinking food and beverage that is high in acid or grinding your teeth are just a couple of ways you can weaken your enamel.

Dentin

Under the enamel is dentin, which is a soft tissue that can easily become infected when in contact with bacteria. Without hard enamel to protect your dentin, you are more likely to experience tooth decay.

Pulp

Underneath the dentin is the pulp, the center of your tooth that is made up of nerves, blood cells, and connective tissue. If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, that means the pulp is infected.

Protecting Your Teeth

It’s important to keep your teeth and gums clean and clear of plaque and bacteria in order to keep all layers of your teeth strong and healthy. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, eat a well-balanced diet, and address any issues with your dentist during one of your twice yearly checkups in order to maintain a beautiful smile.

From teeth cleanings to intricate cosmetic and restorative services, Dr. Miller and the team here at Mission Hills Family Dental are committed to helping you and your family have both healthy and beautiful smiles. With our top-notch technology, modern amenities, and convenient scheduling, visiting the dentist has never been this stress-free.