Enamel

There are several things that can cause damage to the enamel. The first one is acids from bacteria. Some types of bacteria present in the mouth create acids that can be very damaging to the minerals of hydroxylapatite. External factors such as acids that come from foods and drinks, mechanical force, bad habits can all damage the enamel. Every decay on the crown starts from the enamel. This is a substance present in a thin layer and if the caries is not stopped in the initial stage it will progress further. If it is stopped in time, remineralization is an option. This is a process that helps in repairing the damage caused by acids by using minerals. Prevention and remineralization are the two ways that dentists tend to act towards dental caries.

The enamel gets in touch with cementum on the cementoenamel junction located in the cervical part of the tooth. The two substances can be in three different relationships. The most common one is present in around 50-60% of people and the cementum overlaps the enamel. In 30% the two substances touch. And in 5 to 10% there is a gap between the two. When there is a gap that exposes the dentin and leaves it more sensitive to other factors. That is why some people might experience hypersensitivity if the gums are receded. This usually happens due to hot and cold drinks or water. It means that the nerve endings in the dentin are exposed.