Structure and functions of the enamel
Enamel is a translucent white fabric, the most rigid and mineralized in the body.
The enamel covers the area of the tooth exposed to the oral environment, protecting it from wear and acid attack by cariogenic bacteria. Highly mineralized, the enamel is made up of 4-5% water and organic components (proteins), while the remaining 95-96% is represented by inorganic substances (calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, cesium ...).
As anticipated and as can be seen in the figure, the enamel covers the crown like a hood, reaching its maximum thickness in the chewing surface (cusp) and tapering near the collar, where it is in turn covered with cement.
Enamel, also known as an adamantine substance, is made up of elongated polyhedral prisms, held together by a special, very mineralized interplasmic substance. These prisms represent the fundamental unit of the enamel: in the shape of a rod, then elongated and arranged parallel to each other, they have a diameter of about 3-10 micrometers and run from the deep surface (amelo-dentinal junction) to the external surface of the enamel . In depth they are perpendicular to the dentine, to then become undulated in the central tract and finally perpendicular to the surface of the tooth.
Enamel and tooth color
The translucent shades of the enamel, varying from white to ivory, sometimes with bluish shades, reveal the color of the underlying dentin; only in the lower margin of the upper incisors - where the latter is practically absent - the white color of the enamel can be appreciated, sometimes with shades of blue. In other areas of the tooth, the color of the same is largely determined by the shade of the underlying dentin, which - influenced by genetic components - usually tends to yellowish; consequently, in general, the thicker the enamel is, the whiter the tooth appears, and vice versa. It should also be noted that the enamel can absorb the pigments present in foods such as coffee, red wine, tea, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, bettel nuts and more. Chromatic changes in the tooth can also be caused by diseases (fluorosis) or by taking specific drugs, such as high-dose tetracycline, especially if taken by the mother during neonatal life.
Erosion of the enamel
Even the erosion of the enamel can recognize various causes of origin: bulimia (due to the acid attack of self-induced vomiting), gastroesophageal reflux (due to the rise of acid juices along the esophagus to the oral cavity), bruxism, intake of acidic foods (carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, vitamin C chewable tablets) or sweets (sugary fruit, honey, jams, fruit juices, sweets and sweets in general, sugary drinks, refined cereals), poor or excessive oral hygiene (especially with abrasive toothpastes) . On the advice of your doctor or dentist, fluoride can be a good aid to re-mineralise enamel and prevent erosion; it is however important not to overdo it: the excess of fluorine can cause effects contrary to those desired by seriously damaging the tooth. To learn more, consult the article: fluoride toothpaste
