Did you know... Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body?

Tooth Enamel is the Hardest Substance in the Human Body, but it's not invincible!

Tooth enamel is one of four types of tissue that make up our teeth. It is the visible part of our teeth when our gums are healthy, and is normally colored anywhere from a bright white to-off white.

Even though the material that makes up the tooth enamel contains the highest percentage of the body’s minerals, in fact it’s composed of over 90% water! Organic materials make up the rest.

The greatest amount of mineral contained in this substance is called hydroxyapatite, which is a form of calcium phosphate. The large amount of mineral for the enamel’s hardness, but it also accounts for its brittleness, as well. This is why our teeth are prone to chip and crack.

While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is still very susceptible to damage that can come from our everyday day activity of eating. This is especially true if we tend to eat the wrong types of foods or neglect to properly care for our teeth.

If you take a moment to think about it, our teeth are constantly under attack from the bacteria in plaque. they're under pressure every time we eat, and they are at the mercy of the acids we consume in our diets. And despite this, we still expect our teeth to last us a lifetime!

Where tooth enamel is formed

Just like how our skin protects our bodies, enamel protects the softer dentine of the root and is the first line of defence for the dental pulp. But while toothaches are common, the enamel, itself has no nerves or blood vessels. The pain from a toothache will occur if the outer layer of a tooth is damaged or breached.

What about those articles that claim fillings will be a thing of the past?

The human body can repair the outer layer of the tooth – but only to a very limited degree. There are a number of products and treatment approaches that aim to replicate and assist the natural process of enamel repair, and in some circumstances this is a viable first option to treat and reverse early enamel damage.

Remineralisation treatment is not effective is the enamel layer has already been breached. This is why it’s important to keep plaque, and acidic substances from remaining on the enamel of our teeth by avoiding harmful foods and through regular brushing and flossing.

The most important food and drink to avoid if you want to keep your teeth healthy are soft drinks, foods with a lot of sugar and anything that is very acidic.

If you would like more information on preventative oral health and tooth remineralisation book a consultation with Dr Kate Amos or Dr Sam Rosehill at Ethical Dental on 6652 3185 or book online.