According to the American Dental Association, there are four main tissues – the enamel, dentin and cementum, which are hard tissues, and the fourth is the pulp – the nerve inside the tooth.
Everything knows what the enamel is, likewise with the pulp. While the cementum is defined as the “hard connective tissue covering the tooth root, giving attachment to the periodontal ligament”.
Yet, it’s the dentin that many people don’t know about – which is why it will be the focus of our article today!
Your Guide to Dentin
What is Dentin?
To know what dentin is, it’s important to understand the tooth structure as a whole. Firstly, there is the enamel, which is the hard calcified tissue that overlaps the tooth’s crown. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, which covers the pulp (the nerve of the tooth), and finally, at the bottom is the cementum, which covers the tooth root.
Although not as strong as enamel, the dentin is right in the middle, acts as the protective barrier to the pulp, and takes up most of the tooth structure. The dentin is creamy-white to yellowish in colour and is noticeable when the enamel starts to wear down.
Most importantly, it has small tubules that lead to the pulp, which plays an important role in your tooth function: it supplies it with vital nutrients and minerals to your tooth. But it also can trigger pain…
Why is it Important?
When your dentin loses the protective coating of the enamel, your pulp becomes exposed, leading to increased sensitivity. This is due to the small tubules, which are connected to the pulp of the tooth.
As the tubules allow heat and cold to pass through the dentin, it engages the pulp, which leads to tooth sensitivity, and in severe cases, pain.
You’ll be able to tell when your dentin is exposed, as your teeth will get a creamy-white to yellowish colour. The less white your teeth, the more likely your dentin has been exposed.
That’s why it’s vitally important that you protect your dentin as much as possible.
How Do You Protect It?
There are a few proactive steps you can take to prevent dentin exposure and protect your tooth. Here is what you can do:
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits – Brush and floss your teeth twice a day (in the morning and before bed), and use mouthwash when possible. This will prevent gum disease and tooth decay that leads to exposed dentin. Keeping your teeth clean is the best thing you can do!
- If you have sensitive teeth, then use the likes of Sensodyne or other similar products. These kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes are designed to support tooth sensitivity.
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth and use brushes with soft bristles. Brushing hard can rub off your enamel. You should avoid using harsh whitening toothpastes as this can damage your teeth.
- If you grind your teeth, you risk grinding down your enamel and exposing your dentin. It’s best if you get a mouthguard to wear at night, which can ensure you protect your teeth.
- Eat healthily – What you eat has a great impact on the health and quality of your teeth. Make sure you eat foods loaded with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Try to cut back on sugar and artificial sweeteners.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups – Annual dental visits should be part of your routine. Get a cleaning and check-up every six months. The dental cleaning will remove any bacteria or harden plaque off your teeth, while the check-up will assess if there are any potential problems. We recommend visiting Dr. Tracey in Downtown Calgary if you’re looking for a pro in the field!
- If you are having problems with your dentin exposure, consult your dentist. They will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that works just for you, which can include fluoride treatments and gum therapy.
We hope that this guide to dentin informs you about the importance of this tooth tissue! If you suspect that you have problems with your teeth, consult your dentist immediately!
We are an independent blogger and admin of DeepAdvices who is exploring the beauty of the blog writing from a variety of subjects and books to health, science and others. She believes the blog would be helpful to the reader in the context of knowledge.
