If you accidentally cut yourself, your skin almost miraculously heals itself in a matter of days. If you break a bone, it pretty much goes back to normal after a couple of months. However, if you break a tooth, have you noticed that it doesn’t “grow back?” That’s because, although your enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth) is the hardest substance in your entire body, it does not regenerate. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. So, how long is tooth enamel supposed to last? Keep reading as a dentist answers this question.
How Long Does Tooth Enamel Last?
The enamel that we are born with has the potential to last our entire lives. Even when exposed to the daily wear and tear of chewing and acidic foods and drinks, enamel is resilient. The outer layer of our teeth naturally grows a bit thinner as we get older, but generally, tooth enamel can last a lifetime.
How Does Tooth Enamel Last So Long?
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Pittsburgh, and MIT studied the structure of enamel in great detail. By using special imaging technology, they found that enamel is made up of microscopic rods that contain hydroxyapatite crystals. To study how enamel is able to withstand the forces of chewing, the researchers used a computer model to simulate the forces that hydroxyapatite crystals would be subjecting to when a person chews.
In the model, the researchers placed two blocks of crystals next to each other so that they would meet at several different angles. They discovered that when these blocks met at a 45-degree angle, cracks appeared in the surface. However, when the blocks were only slightly misaligned, the crack was deflected and prevented from spreading.
What this means is that the tiny crystals in your tooth enamel are likely only slightly misaligned, so they are able to deflect cracks that would otherwise destroy the enamel. That’s how your enamel is able to last a lifetime.
How Can You Make Your Enamel Last?
To ensure your tooth enamel is as strong as can be, take these tips into account:
- Limit sugary foods and beverages
- Eat foods rich in calcium instead, since calcium strengthens your teeth and bones
- Don’t brush your teeth too aggressively
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Treat conditions like heartburn and bulimia, as stomach acid can erode your enamel
- Avoid grinding your teeth if you can
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
It’s truly remarkable how your tooth enamel is able to last for your entire life. Be sure to follow the tips listed above to maximize its lifespan.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Hrinda is a dentist in Greenfield, MA who achieved his doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years, and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more advice on how to protect your enamel, visit Dr. Hrinda’s website.