The structure of a human tooth

The structure of a human tooth

Teeth are primarily made up of dentine (inside) and the particularly hard enamel (outside).

Enamel in particular is made up almost exclusively of hydroxyapatite, Ca 5 (PO 4) 3 (OH).Enamel is comprised of needle-like hydroxyapatite crystallites that are bundled in parallel ordered prisms. This special microstructure makes enamel the hardest substance in the human body.

Dentine contains a larger protein content in addition to hydroxyapatite. Dentinal canaliculi (so-called tubules) can also be found in dentine. When dentine is exposed in the oral cavity, this can lead to pain-sensitive teeth.

Structure of a tooth

In summary, it can be said that teeth are hierarchical biocomposites with special properties:

  • Hardness
  • Fracture strength
  • Self-repair mechanism by means of remineralisation from saliva

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