We have M& M chocolates in our office so we may show our patients what happens when tooth enamel is worn away. I love showing our patients why it is so important to brush properly and also why “wear” of your teeth is NOT a normal process of aging.

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The hard candy coating of an M&M represents the enamel of your teeth.  

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.  It is even harder than your bones.  If you wear away your the enamel due to brushing too hard, grinding, or erosion (acid reflux, swishing soda, acidic juices, etc.)  then you expose the dentin. 

The soft chocolate inside of the M & M represents the dentin. 

Dentin wears much faster than enamel. It actually wears up to 7 times faster than enamel. Once the outside layer of enamel and dentin are gone, the nerve has less protection and so you may experience sensitivity and even pain. Once lost, enamel and dentin do not regenerate. 

To protect your teeth, visit your dentist regularly. They are trained to evaluate whether you are wearing your enamel and dentin and will recommend ways to maintain your teeth in a healthy manner.

Until next time,

Be well, Do well, Live well,

Sincerely,

Dr. Merriman