Learn about dentin and its importance at Bristol dentist
You may have heard the word dentin mentioned in relation to teeth but what exactly is it and what does it do? Dentin is the milky white substance that makes up the bulk of your teeth. It is covered in enamel and protects the dental nerve inside it. Dentin is made up of minerals, mostly calcium, and coats the more sensitive pulp underneath it. Looking after dentin is very important because even though it is quite hard and tough it can easily be affected by rot from decay and infection. If this happens you will definitely know about it through the pain you suffer and the cost of treatment. Dentin is for the most part made of mineralised tissue but also contains cells called dentinal fluids. It is both harder and denser than bones which in some art explains why elephants ivory has long been a prized commodity (all teeth are made from dentin be it human or animal). As mentioned above, it is very important to look after your dentin or you may suffer the consequences. Luckily, this is quite easy to do as long as you follow your dentist’s advice and clean your teeth regularly and effectively. Bristol dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. Each brush should last approximately three minutes. It is also vital that you are flossing your teeth to remove any plaque that is hard to reach and food particles trapped in teeth that can be breeding grounds for bacteria. On top of this cleaning process, it is also vital that you make a six-monthly visit to your dentist so they examine the condition of both your enamel and the dentin that lies beneath it. Catching problems at an early stage is very important for keeping your teeth healthy and preventing dental health problems.Tags: decay and infection, dentin, enamel