Nutrition
Acidic foods and drinks are consumed more frequently these days. These changes in eating and drinking habits attack tooth enamel, thereby accelerating its breakdown.
tooth enamel: Rebuilding tooth enamel with toothpaste
Causes of enamel erosion & how to repair enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It protects the teeth from external stimuli and has to withstand a great deal: eating, drinking, chewing and other external factors, such as teeth grinding, place a daily strain on it. Over time, it therefore wears away. If the tooth enamel is damaged, this often has painful consequences.
Here you can find out how to spot enamel erosion and which toothpastes protect tooth enamel and even repair minor defects.
Definition: What is tooth enamel?
Tooth enamel forms the outermost layer of our teeth and is crucial for dental health. An overview of its key properties:
The outermost layer of the visible part of the tooth
Thickness of approximately 1.5 to 3 millimetres in adults
Composition consisting of approximately 97% hydroxyapatite
Main components: calcium and phosphorus
The hardest substance in the human body
Not sensitive to pain, as it is not supplied with blood
As tooth enamel is not made up of living cells, the body cannot regenerate it!
Tooth enamel wear: Symptoms of enamel erosion
Have you ever felt a sudden, sharp pain when drinking cold drinks or hot coffee? Or have your teeth become duller and more yellowish over time? Such signs may indicate that your tooth enamel is wearing away.
The sooner you recognise the symptoms, the better you can take action. The most common signs of enamel loss are:
Causes: What damages tooth enamel?
Tooth enamel is naturally subject to wear and tear and gradually wears down over time, for example through chewing food. However, this is a very slow process.
On the other hand, there are also additional factors that can encourage tooth enamel loss and, as a result, contribute to premature wear:
Toothbrushing technique
Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can damage the enamel and, over time, contribute to its wear and tear.
Plaque
Plaque is a build-up of bacteria and food debris on the teeth. If it is not removed regularly, acids are produced which attack and demineralise the tooth enamel.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, which usually occurs at night and is unconscious, subjects the tooth enamel to intense pressure and friction, causing the tooth structure to wear away gradually.
Nutrition: Strengthening tooth enamel through diet
However hard our tooth enamel may be, acids soften it and make it porous. The result is that bacteria adhere more easily, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Enjoy acidic foods in moderation
Foods with a pH value below 4.5 can contribute to tooth demineralisation. These include:
- Fruit such as apples, strawberries, oranges and grapes
- Tomatoes
- Salad dressings containing vinegar
However, there is no need to cut them out entirely – these foods contain valuable nutrients that are essential for a balanced diet.
Simple protective measures
- Calcium neutralises acids: after eating acidic foods, have something containing calcium, such as yoghurt or quark, or drink a glass of milk.
- Water is the ideal accompaniment: drink water (pH 7–8.5) with your meal. It reduces acidity in the mouth.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Soft drinks and energy drinks further promote demineralisation and should be avoided as far as possible.
Toothpaste: Protect your tooth enamel with toothpaste
Unlike hair and fingernails, which grow back throughout a person’s lifetime, tooth enamel does not regenerate on its own. Numerous studiesthe remaining enamel dental care products containing biomimetic hydroxyapatite – also known as artificial tooth enameland repair micro-fine defects.
Hydroxyapatite is produced in the laboratory and has properties similar to those of the basic building blocks of natural tooth enamel. Because it closely matches the structure of natural tooth enamel, the artificial tooth enamel (hydroxyapatite) bonds with the tooth surface. The teeth immediately feel smoother.
Toothbrushing technique: Step-by-step guide: How to brush your teeth properly for healthy enamel
Step 1: Choosing the right brush
Use a toothbrush with soft to medium-firm bristles. Bristles that are too hard can literally ‘wear away’ the enamel and cause long-term damage. If you’re unsure which firmness is right for you, ask your dentist for advice.
Step 2: Check the pressure
Make sure not to press too hard when brushing. Gentle pressure is more than enough to remove plaque. Tip: Many modern electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor that alerts you if you’re applying too much force.
Step 3: Using the right technique
Brush using gentle, circular movements, or move the brush from the gums towards the teeth (“from red to white”). Avoid vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing, which puts unnecessary strain on the enamel.
Bioniq® : Products containing artificial tooth enamel (hydroxyapatite)
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Dr. Joachim Enax
Senior Scientist Oral Care
Dr. Joachim Enax is an expert in biomimetic oral care and oral health. As a PhD chemist, he is an experienced scientist in the research and development of innovative active ingredients for oral care and in promoting dental health. He is the author of numerous scientific publications in the field of teeth and oral care.
Scientifically reviewed
Karoline Bauch
Corporate Communications Officer
Karoline Bauch is an expert in science communication specialising in the Oral Care sector and acts as the editorial contact for all matters relating to dentistry, oral health and prevention.
Editorially reviewed