The Strongest Substance in Your Entire Body: The Power of Your Teeth

Your teeth are incredibly strong—in fact, enamel is the hardest substance in your entire body. This tough outer layer protects your teeth from daily wear and tear, allowing you to chew, bite, and smile with confidence. However, even though enamel is stronger than bone, it’s not invincible. At Mitzi Morris, DMD in Roswell, we help patients understand the importance of protecting their teeth from damage and maintaining optimal oral health.

Just How Strong Are Your Teeth?

Tooth enamel is made of 96% mineral content, making it even harder than steel. It can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure while biting and chewing, and its resilience allows it to last a lifetime with proper care. However, unlike bones, enamel doesn’t regenerate, which means once it’s damaged, it’s gone for good.

Despite its incredible strength, enamel is still susceptible to wear and damage from everyday habits. Understanding what weakens your teeth can help prevent issues like fractures, decay, and sensitivity.

Surprising Ways You Might Be Damaging Your Teeth

While enamel is built to last, some daily habits and dietary choices can accelerate its breakdown. Here are some common culprits:

• Chewing on Ice – Ice is nearly as hard as enamel, and biting down on it can cause small cracks in your teeth.
• Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism) – Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which can lead to worn enamel and fractures.
• Sugary and Acidic Foods – Sodas, citrus fruits, and candy can erode enamel over time, increasing your risk of cavities.
• Using Teeth as Tools – Opening packages or cutting tape with your teeth puts unnecessary stress on them, leading to chips and cracks.
• Skipping Routine Dental Care – Plaque buildup weakens enamel, making teeth more prone to decay and breakage.

When Emergency Dentistry Is Necessary

Despite our best efforts to protect our teeth, accidents and dental emergencies happen. Cracks, chips, and fractures can occur due to trauma, excessive grinding, or biting down on something too hard. When this happens, it’s crucial to seek prompt dental care.

At Mitzi Morris, DMD in Roswell, we provide emergency dental care for:

• Cracked or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Severe tooth pain
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Infections or abscesses

Ignoring dental damage can lead to further complications, including infection or complete tooth loss. That’s why seeking immediate treatment is essential to preserving your smile.

How to Keep Your Teeth Strong for Life

While some wear and tear on your teeth is natural, you can take steps to protect your enamel and prevent damage:

• Use a Nightguard – If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can prevent excessive wear.
• Eat a Balanced Diet – Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and almonds to strengthen enamel.
• Drink Water – Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and maintain enamel integrity.
• Brush and Floss Daily – A proper oral hygiene routine removes plaque and prevents decay.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Routine checkups allow early detection of potential issues before they become serious.

Trust Mitzi Morris, DMD to Protect Your Smile

Your teeth are built to last a lifetime—if you take care of them properly. At Mitzi Morris, DMD in Roswell, we’re committed to providing expert preventive, emergency, and restorative dental care to keep your smile strong and healthy.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, damage, or sensitivity, don’t wait until it worsens. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and protect the strongest substance in your body—your teeth!