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24 Jan. 2025

What are Teeth Made Of?

Your teeth are made up of four components

Part 1:

Young Girl with a Healthy Smile by Dr Dean Lloyd

Enamel:

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Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth, which covers and protects the softer underlying dentin or crown of the tooth. It is made of a tightly compact material called calcium phosphate, which is also the hardest structure in the body. The enamel layer, which lies above the gum, is one of the four bone structures that make up the human tooth. Tooth enamel does not contain any blood vessels or have any nerve endings within its structure. In the development of enamel, the body places down protein chains or frameworks, to which minerals attach themselves, thereby forming the enamel structure.

Tooth Enamel by Dr Dean Lloyd

Tooth enamel forms onto the crown (inside the jawbone) before the tooth erupts through the gum. This gives the tooth crown immediate protection from the outside elements once exposed.

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Enamel is exceptionally hard, with a hardness test ranking amongst those of steel and titanium. Unfortunately, that is where the resemblance ends. Tooth enamel, due to its highly mineralized makeup, is somewhat brittle. It is therefore not recommended by most Dental Practitioners for anyone to crunch on ice or hard-boiled sweets. This, in itself, is an indication of why humans should not eat these types of food. Once chipped, the enamel of the tooth will not repair itself, however, small or minor repairs can be accomplished by using fluoride-infused toothpaste.

Enamel thicknesses covering the crown vary from 0.2 mm at the base of the crown to around 2.5 mm over the top of the crown. Due to the thinness of the semi-translucent tooth enamel, teeth derive their colour (shade) from the underlying dentin.

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Author: Dr Dean Lloyd

Part 2:

Dentine (Dentin):

When we think about teeth, the shiny enamel usually steals the spotlight. But lurking just beneath this tough exterior is a material called dentine. Dentine is the main "bulk" or structure that forms the shape and body of each tooth.  

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What is Dentine?

​Dentine is a calcified tissue, harder than bone but softer than enamel. Dentine is composed of microscopic tubules that extend from the inner pulp outward the outer enamel.

Types of Dentine:

​There are three primary types created over the life of the tooth.

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  1. Primary Dentine: The initial dentine formed during tooth development.

  2. Secondary Dentine: Formed after tooth eruption, this type gradually accumulates over time.

  3. Tertiary Dentine: Produced as a reaction to stimuli such as cavities or wear, this type helps protect the pulp.

 

Functions of Dentine:

​Dentine plays several critical roles in your oral health:

  1. Protection: It acts as a barrier, protecting the sensitive pulp from external threats like bacteria and mechanical damage.

  2. Sensitivity: Those tubules we mentioned. They can transmit sensations of pain, pressure, and temperature changes to the pulp, warning you of any potential issues that may arise.

  3. Support: Dentine supports the enamel, giving it a resilient foundation to endure the stresses of biting and chewing.

 

Maintaining Dentine Health:

To keep your dentine in top shape, follow these simple dental care tips:

  1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Floss and brush twice a day. Use a good quality toothpaste with added fluoride.

  2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Professional cleanings and exams can catch and address issues before they affect your dentine.

  3. Healthy Diet: Avoid excessive sugar and acidic foods that can erode enamel and expose dentine.

  4. Protect from Trauma: Use a mouthguard during sports and avoid chewing on hard objects, such as boiled sweets or crushing ice between your molars. These may chip or crack your enamel, leading to capillary seepage of mouth bacteria directly to your dentine. 

 

Fascinating Facts About Dentine:

  1. Regenerative Ability: Unlike enamel, dentine has the ability to regenerate to some extent. Secondary and tertiary dentine formation helps teeth adapt and protect themselves over time. The fluoride component in toothpaste will help with this. 

  2. Colour Influence: Dentine contributes to the overall colour of your teeth. As enamel wears down, or becomes thinner with age, the naturally yellowish hue of dentine can become more visible. Tooth whitening, therefore, cannot influence the natural colour of your dentine.

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Conclusion:

​While enamel may get all the glory, dentine is the steadfast guardian working behind the scenes to maintain the integrity and health of your teeth. Understanding dentine's role can help you appreciate the complexity of your dental structure and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. So next time you smile, give a nod to the unsung hero - your dentine!

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Author: Dr Dean Lloyd

Part 3:

Pulp:

Tooth pulp is "The Vital Core" of your teeth. Often overshadowed by enamel and dentine, tooth pulp is nestled at the very centre of each tooth. This soft tissue plays an indispensable role in maintaining your dental health.

What is Tooth Pulp?

Tooth pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. It’s a soft tissue composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp chamber is encased by the dentine and extends down through the tooth's root canal.

​Functions of Tooth Pulp:

The pulp might be hidden from view, but it performs several critical functions:

  1. Nourishment: The blood vessels within the pulp supply essential nutrients and oxygen to the tooth, keeping it alive and healthy.

  2. Sensory Function: The nerves in the pulp detect temperature changes, pressure, and pain. This sensory function helps protect your teeth from damage. When biting down on something hard, you may feel a pain sensation, resulting in the release of the biting force, and thereby protecting the tooth from potential damage. 

  3. Formation of the Dentine: The pulp contains odontoblasts, which are specialized cells responsible for the formation of dentine. This process helps repair and protect the tooth from the inside.

  4. Immune Response: The pulp plays a role in the immune defense of your teeth, by responding to bacterial invasion and infection.

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Common Issues Affecting Tooth Pulp:

The pulp can be vulnerable to several issues that may require dental intervention:

  1. Pulpitis: Inflammation of the pulp often caused by deep cavities, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Pulpitis can be reversible or irreversible, depending on the severity.

  2. Abscess: A bacterial infection that leads to pus formation within the pulp chamber, often causing significant pain and requiring treatment.

  3. Necrosis: Death of pulp tissue, usually due to untreated decay or trauma. Necrotic pulp can lead to tooth loss if not addressed promptly.

 

Maintaining Healthy Tooth Pulp:

Caring for your tooth pulp involves maintaining overall dental hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for any issues:

  1. Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use fluoride mouthwash to prevent cavities that can reach the pulp. Here, the fluoride in your toothpaste can help build and repair cracks that end in the pulp chamber. 

  2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist can catch problems early, before they affect the pulp.

  3. Protective Measures: Wear a mouthguard during sports and avoid habits like chewing ice, chewing hard lollies, or using your teeth to open packages.

 

Fascinating Facts About Tooth Pulp:

  1. Regeneration Potential: Tooth pulp has a limited ability to heal itself if the damage is minor. This regenerative capacity helps maintain dental health over time.

  2. Root Canal Treatment: If the pulp becomes severely damaged, or infected, a root canal procedure can save the tooth. During this treatment, the damaged pulp is removed, and the space is cleaned and sealed.

 

Conclusion:

Tooth pulp may not be visible to the naked eye, but it is the lifeline of your teeth, providing essential functions that keep them healthy and functional. By understanding, and taking care of your tooth pulp, you can ensure a vibrant, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

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Author: Dr Dean Lloyd

Part 4:

Cementum:

Cementum by Dr Dean Lloyd

What is Tooth Cementum?

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In short, cementum bonds the tooth root to the jawbone and surrounding tissue.  

 

Tooth cementum is a specialised calcified connective tissue that covers the roots of teeth. It is similar to bone in composition but is distinct in function and location. This hard tissue forms a protective layer over the tooth root, anchoring it securely within the jawbone by connecting the root to the periodontal ligament fibres.

Functions of Tooth Cementum:

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  1. Anchorage: Cementum is a medium for the attachment of the periodontal ligament, which holds each tooth firmly in its socket. This anchoring system ensures that our teeth remain stable and capable of withstanding the forces of chewing and biting. 

  2. Protection: By covering the root of the tooth, the cementum protects the underlying dentin, shielding it from bacterial invasion and potential decay. It serves as a barrier, preserving the health and integrity of the tooth’s inner structures. 

  3. Repair and Adaptation: Cementum has the remarkable ability to remodel and repair itself. In response to damage or wear, it can regenerate to maintain a functional connection between the tooth and the periodontal ligament.

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Types of Cementum:

Cementum can be classified into two main types:

 

  1. Acellular Cementum: This type of cementum is found primarily near the cervical (neck) portion of the tooth root. As the name suggests, it lacks cellular components and is responsible for providing a stable attachment for the periodontal ligament.

  2. Cellular Cementum: Located mainly at the apical (root tip) region, cellular cementum contains cementocytes (cells embedded within the cementum). This type plays a vital role in the tooth's adaptive and reparative processes.

 

The Lifelong Importance of Cementum:

 

The significance of cementum extends beyond just holding our teeth in place. Over time, it adapts to changes in the oral environment, such as tooth movement due to orthodontic treatment or natural wear and tear. Its regenerative capabilities are crucial for maintaining the long-term stability of teeth, making it an invaluable component of oral health.

 

Protecting Your Tooth Cementum:

 

Maintaining healthy cementum is integral to overall dental well-being.

 

Here are a few tips to keep it in good shape:

 

  1. Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can affect cementum health.

  2. Visit the dentist regularly: Professional cleanings and check-ups help detect and address issues early. 

  3. Avoid excessive force: Be mindful of habits like teeth grinding, using your teeth to open packages, crushing ice, or chewing on hard lollies, as these can cause damage.

 

By appreciating and understanding the role of tooth cementum, we can better care for our teeth and ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

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Author: Dr Dean Lloyd

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